Having A Fun Time

SSB BAND MISSED: Absence of the brass band of the Sashastra Seema Bal, which had been stealing the show at the previous editions of Happy Streets was clearly evident. The slot on the Happy Streets, which was allotted to the personnel of SSB Band was one of the most visited spots during the three-hour event. But, visitors were surprised by their absence.“Last time, I was told the SSB band did not perform as a mark of respect to the departed souls in the Nepal earthquake. But this time, I was disappointed to hear the typical Kumaoni tunes, which the band played at the direction of their band master, who walked with customary elegance and in a traditional attire,” said Himanshu Varma, a resident of Aliganj, and a frequent visitor to Happy Streets.
Food Street: The entrance of the almost 1-kilometre-long stretch of the road which is venue of the Happy Streets turned into a foodies’ paradise as visitors participated in games and sports and occasionally shook a leg to the music of the aerobic trainer/instructor. The entrance towards the Samta Moolak Chowk had at least four vendors doing brisk business of selling different snacks and refreshments. While youngsters were seen going for chuski-golaa, elders preferred a sip of Shikanji with soda to beat the heat Next, it was the turn to gorge on the Mumbaiyya Bhelpuri.
Dropping Stress: One of the kiosks put up at the Happy Streets this time was named ‘Drop your stress’ and aimed at bringing a smile on the lips of all. Most of the children cited their studies and school homework as stressful, while the middle aged and senior citizens wanted to move ahead in life leaving their tensions and trivial arguments behind. “At times, I am puzzled with the quantum of homework I get in school,” said Apratim, who came here with his maternal grandfather Srimanendu Roy.
Volleyball Run: Players trying their hand at volleyball were forced to run the extra mile, when the volleyball went beyond the boundary onto the neighbouring road, where the LDA office is located. As a result, players who made a strong hit were forced by fellow players to run and fetch the ball.
Ektara Debut: Ektara, the one-string musical instrument made a debut in this edition of the Happy Streets and proved financially rewarding for Karan Singh, a migrant of Haryana, who now makes this instrument at his rented accommodation in Indiranagar’s Takrohi area. “An ektara costs Rs 30 and during the day, I have been able to sell almost 10 pieces of the unique and pocket-friendly musical instrument which has been shown in various films,” Singh said and added that the children were fascinated by the raw music and sound of this instrument, which is seen mostly in the rural areas of the country.