When a Fair held in our Village

Fairs are the most popular form of entertainment in the countryside. People who work hard in their fields all year round certainly need and deserve some rest and recreation. It is fair that provides them with relief from hard work and bring them an opportunity to enjoy themselves to their heart’s content.

They forget their cars, leave their daily labor, and throw themselves in the fun and frolic of the fair. For them, it means that there will be shops, entertainment, and perhaps a theatre.

When a Fair held in our Village

Fairs have become a characteristic part of rural life; some are held to celebrate the memory of some saints; others are associated with the seasons.

I remember going to our Village’s fair when I was a boy of fourteen. I still have clear memories of that glorious time. It was held at a place halfway between our village and the nearby town.

One morning, my friend and I took our road to the fair. We were still at a distance when we heard the beat of drums and chimes of bells. We quickened our pace and in a short time reached the fairground.

What a sight it was! We found ourselves in a big crowd of people, all in their best colorful clothes. They were in high spirits. They laughed and shouted, sang, and danced. None was standing still: all were moving as if they wanted to see everything in the fair as quickly as possible.

The sweetmeat sellers’ stall attracted a large group of people. They were shouting their orders at the top of their voices. As soon as they got what they wanted, they were on the move again.

The children crowded around a toyseller who sat on the ground with his toys spread before him. He was announcing the names of the toys and their prices in a singsong voice.

A little further there was a merry go round. The happy, excited cries of the children filled the air. Nearby, a juggler was showing his tricks. While we stood there, we heard a loud shout. “Come on, come all see the wonder of wonders, half man half monster come and see.”

When a Fair held in our Village

We turned around and saw the announcer standing before a tent. We went in and saw the ‘wonder of wonders’. In the evening, there were games like Kabbadi, wrestling, and races.

As the contestants matched their skill and strength in the arena, their supporters shouted and encouraged them. When the games ended, the District Chairman gave away the prizes. It was almost night when we returned home, we were tired and dusty, but we were happy.