To the Funfair We Go

Today, after quite a long time, I visited a small annual funfair in our local community. It was the fifth and final day of the fair. My children, especially my middle daughter, had been persistently asking to go, but we hadn’t found the time. Yesterday, she even threw quite a tantrum, so today, I finally decided to take her. Along with my children and one of my daughter’s friends, we all set off to explore the fair.

I have always felt that fairs hold a timeless charm. Their vibrant energy, the mingling of people from all walks of life, and the kaleidoscope of colors, sounds, and aromas create a magical atmosphere that is hard to resist.

The weather was perfect for such an outing — cool, breezy, and refreshingly pleasant after the scorching summer months that had kept everyone indoors. The crisp air seemed to carry the laughter of children, the hum of conversations, and the melody of traditional tunes. Stalls offering mouthwatering snacks, vibrant toys, and colorful trinkets lined the streets, evoking memories of simpler times when fairs were the highlight of the year.

As I strolled through its lively pathways, a wave of nostalgia swept over me. One particular year stands out vividly in my memory — the first time my father took us to the fair on a cycle rickshaw.

The journey itself was exhilarating. The rhythmic clinking of the rickshaw’s chain (we went on a cycle rikshaw) and the cool breeze brushing against our faces added to the sense of adventure. As we drew closer, the vibrant sounds of the fair reached us — snatches of music, laughter, and the hum of bustling crowds.

For the first time in my life, I saw the famous Maut ka Kuan — the “Well of Death.” My heart pounded as we stood at the edge of the wooden structure, staring down into what seemed like an impossible feat of bravery. Motorcyclists zoomed around the vertical walls, defying gravity with every turn. The roar of engines, the cheers of the audience, and the sheer thrill of watching the daredevils perform left me spellbound.

What a trip down the memory lane :)))

Although those times were materially less developed, they symbolized a society rich in love, harmony, and tolerance. Life was content despite the lack of luxuries.

Walking through the crowd, I noticed families enjoying the same small joys — kids tugging at their parents' hands for something to buy, a few couples sharing plates of spicy snacks, and elders watching from a distance.

I kept thinking... What makes fairs so enchanting to me, I think, is their ability to bridge the past and present. They remind us of a time when happiness wasn’t measured by the size of a screen or the latest gadget, but by the simple joys of shared laughter, a sparkling toy, or a plate of steaming pakoras.

In past, fairs brought people together regardless of age, gender, or background, free from any social or religious discord. These days, even fairs reflect the divisions within society—separate fairs for the wealthy and the less privileged. The affluent rarely attend such fairs anymore; their leisure is reserved for malls, expensive concerts, and high-end outings. Who agrees?

There were swings that made your heart leap, magicians who left you wide-eyed in amazement, and bazaars brimming with colorful trinkets and treats. His laughter as we marveled at the performers, his patience as we tugged him from one stall to the next, and his indulgence in buying us little souvenirs… The fair was a sensory overload in the best possible way.

I beg your pardon… I keep going down memory lane even as I write this post, reminiscing about those cherished moments of the past.

As I made my way home, the fair's enchantment still clung to me, carrying me back to those childhood evenings under twinkling lights, where everything felt possible and the world was painted in hues of joy. Or maybe it was the carelessness of the childhood...

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P.S: Please don't mind my wonky pictures... I was carrying bags of small purchases, a plate of French fries, and some snacks for the rest of the family at home, so the (phone) camera was a bit unstable. ;))