Kids win audience hearts at Makkala Dasara

‘Makkala Dasara’, the children’s Dasara, doubled the joy of Dasara Janotsava at Gandhi Maidan in Madikeri on Tuesday.

The youngsters kept themselves as busy as bumble bees, sold various items including vegetables and fruits at ‘Makkala Santhe,’ the children’s shandy market.

There was a competition between the ‘vendors’ in attracting more customers and selling the items, using their communication skills. Buyers were offered discounts on the purchase of vegetables and other items. The traditional attire of some of the vendors added to the spirit of the shandy market.

Altogether, there were 100 tiny stalls featuring coconuts, ‘Chur Muri,’ bangles, fancy items and game shows. The low-priced coconuts were sold briskly, even before the formal inauguration of the programme. A stall put up by ‘Shanti Niketana Raita Bandhu’ too made a swift business.

Customers thronged the stall of Keerthan and Aneesh from St Micheal’s School, to grab the tasty lemon juice. Likhitha and Roshni from St Joseph School sold buttermilk. Packaged water bottles with the brand name ‘Coorg’ were sold by Shrinidhi and Hitesh of St Joseph School at 50% discount rates. Items such as bags, watches and flags prepared by Government Girls Balamandira, gathered appreciation from people.

A canine show organised by children at the venue drew the attention of onlookers. One could take selfies with dogs by paying a fee of Rs 5 to its owner.

The ‘Mantapa’ tableaux decorated by children were colourful. Children who took part in the fancy dress competitions seemed to be the live miniatures of historic heroes, social reformers and national leaders. An exhibition of clay models and science models created by the tender hands was also an added feature of the Children’s Dasara.

On the other hand, the children were engaged in playing rural games of ‘Goliyata’, ‘Lagori’, ‘Chowka Bara’ and ‘Baleyata.’

Inaugurating Children’s Dasara, City Municipal Council (CMC) president Kaveramma Somanna said the programme provides a good platform to showcase the talents of children.

Dasara Committee Working president Mahesh Jaini, general secretary A C Devaiah, treasurer Sangeetha, District Janapada Parishat president B G Anantashayana, Chummi Devaiah, CMC commissioner B Shubha, Dasara Cultural Committee president H T Anil and Rotary Misty Hills representative Sandeep were present.

The programme was organised in association with Rotary Misty Hills.