A Visit to a Fair
Every year, generally in spring or autumn a fair is held every big village in honor of some saint. Preparations for the fair are made long before the fixed day. Temporary shops or stalls are erected in the form of a bazar. Drum-beaters announce the event in the neighboring village for a few days before the fair.
This year we happened to visit a fair. At a distance of five miles from our town, there is a village Sakhi Sarwar. It is called so after the name of a saint buried here. We decided to cover the distance on cycles to enjoy the hustle and bustle on the way. The crowds of men, women and children were going to the fair. All of them were on foot. Everybody was in his best clothes. The clothes were generally gaudy. Women wore very brilliant garments and cheap jewelry. Their presence added charm to the cheerful caravan. Some of the young men were singing love song.
After a while, we reached Sakhi Sawar. The shrine of Saint Skhi Sarwar is at a high place. It is an impressive building. Beneath the building flows a hill torrent. We entered the shrine and offered some alms to the beggars. We said our prayers and came out. Now we decided to have a round of the bazar. There were shops where sweets, toys, novelties for girls could be had. Near the bazar in an open space a juggler was performing his tricks. There was a merry go round nearby. The children assembled there to have a ride. There was wrestling and kabaddi matches. Races of animals especially camels were another attraction. Some village singers and poets had also arranged a gathering. In short, there was a great hustle everywhere.
Obviously, there no proper arrangements for pure water, cleanliness and peace and order. There were quarrels and fights. Here and there, there was a policeman or village school scout to help the discipline. In the evening we returned homes.
No comments:
Post a Comment