Fairs & Festivals- Fairs or Melas in India are synonymous with the joy and gaiety; and in the countryside where life follows a hard routine, nothing is more welcome to the people than the prospect of a festival or a mela. A rural mela in India has a great significance. It is not just an occasion for festivity and mass gathering but it is an unbounded expression of the spirit of the inner freedom, of creative pride, of zest for life, and of colorful traditions of the people of the country.
People come to participate in fairs from far-off places, trudging dusty distances. Most of the fairs are held in memory of saint or a pir, and people from all communities living in a village participate in it. Men women and children of all ages, classes and creeds flock in hundreds and enjoy the numerous fascinating features of the fair; races, wrestling bouts, singing, acrobatics,magic,pottery ,tarot card reading etc.
All kinds of articles for domestic use are on display. There is fun and frolic all around. The gay ones in small groups sing boli’s and perform folk-dances to the strain of the folk instruments like vanjli and algoza.The sturdy ones test the strength in wrestling fields. It is a feast of co lour and gaiety and fully reflects the joy of the community.Major attractions of any mela are enthralling fire dancing,dummy horses,and Bhopa-Bhopiwho charm the audience with folklores The fairs of the rural India are linked with its culture and reflect by and large the various phase of its life.
Acrobatics- An ancient tradition, propagated and popularized by the ‘Nat’ community all over India is more enthralling than any cliff-hanging , nail-biting modern day thrillers.
The balancing acts & tight rope walking require a great deal of concentration and practice.The mind and the body have to work together while performing and it is a challenge coordinating with team members at every step.
Moreover, one has to be alert, fit, and at one's best all the time. This community follows a nomadic existence ,travelling from place to place with their troupes,performing on streets and fair grounds .They beckon their audience with songs & drums and set up their props ,almost impromptu whenever a large mass gathers.
Magic - An enthralling voyage through the nether world of Indian magic, uncovers the age-old ractices of magic in sacred rites and rituals and unveils the Indian magic of street and stage ntertainers There are hundreds of little known madaris, illusionists, jadoogars and jugglers making a living out of performing breathtaking feats on the streets. Magic might have improved technologically, but the basic art and skills have not changed. They continue to be executed with amazing finesse by street magicians, using minimum resources and absolutely no props. No foreign magician can replicate the same. Like Indra's net Indian performers ensnare their audience with a web of illusion
Fire Dancing –Fire dancers always are a major attraction in any mela or fair. These artists combine dance, acrobatics, and pure excitement. With several different and innovative fire props they swirl, spin and dazzle with flames creating a spectacularly brilliant show. From fire eating to lighting their arms, legs and stomach aflame ,they keep the audience spell-bound and awed.
Some artists even dance on hot glowing embers,drawing large crowds with their incredible pyrotechnic feats.These shows are usually culminated with dazzling fire-works, creating an atmosphere of gaiety and celebration.
Juggling-Jugglers are as awe-inspiring as conjurers and illusionists.With their nimbleness and dexterity, they perform wonderful feats, eliciting frequent gasps from the onlookers.Their breath-taking performances leave the audience wanting for more.With their humor and showmanship , they entertain with a difference.
Clowns,Jokers & Mascots- Clowns, royal jokers, holy fools, tricksters. Free of the system, yet part of it, these independent media artists poke fun, satirize the system, uncover truths, see beauties nobody seems to notice. They are an inherent part of any folk fairs ,carnivals & fetes.
Jostling for jokes and looking for laughs may seem a tough way to earn a living, however these performing artists do their bit bring joy an laughter to any gathering.
While making balloon sculptures and face painting or walking about mingling and juggling, they definitely manage to touch your funny bone. Huge mascots of popular brands in carnivals and shopping festivals draw crowds with their wit and charm,especially children of all ages .
With their exuberance mixed with contagious silliness, they guarantee a smile from every passer-by .
Mime- These artists capture the guest's attention with corporeal mime, pantomime and robotic mime skills. They can create illusions right out of their pockets and without saying a word have the guests interacting with the illusions they create.
Meena Bazaar- A picturesque shopping mela ,this kind of market is set up on huge fair-grounds during special festivals and events .Craftsmen of different states and places can set up their wares and crafts in allotted stalls .Several attractive & colorful handicrafts lure potential customers with their bucolic beauty and traditional look.These bazaars not only bring a rich rural flavor to events but also help to generate revenue for our cottage industries.
