Berhampur: Notwithstanding the lifestyle shift from traditional toys to gizmos, still there are many takers for the traditional toys.
In a bid to pump in life to the dying folk culture, efforts were made to revive the age old tradition in the form of Kandhei Jatra in silk city, a traditional festival of toys since ages.
Dolls are often regarded as the best friends of the girls till they step in to teenage.
Similarly, toys are also gifted to the newly wed girls as a token of love. In a bid to pump in life into this tradition, the festival is held each year.
A large number of people thronged the Khapsa Sahi of the city this year to participate in the annual Kandhei Jatra (festival of toys).
"Once in a year people get opportunity to see different types of toys here at this festival,” a toy seller said.
Since its inception in 1730, organizers put up the annual fair without fail which has been enjoyed with much fanfare every year. This event is organized in the month of Asadha after the three deities return to sanctum sanctorum following the culmination of famous Rath Yatra.
The idols of Lord Jagannath, Radha Krishna and other deities here at the Khapsa Sahi are decorated and wear a captivating look. People visit the stalls and enjoy the fair whole night. They even enjoy the different flavors of food being served at different stalls during the occasion.
Toys made of clay, paper, cow dung and wood were showcased at various stalls by vendors. Many of the people who had come to participate in Kandhei Yatra for the first time were enthralled to see varieties of toys under one roof.
“It is really amazing to be here and watch beautiful toys. This has reminded me of my childhood,” a visitor said.
Similarly, most of girls revisit their childhood as similar dolls were once their companion in times of happiness and sorrow.
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