There was no exotic bird show at the culture and nature festival this year in BJ Park but residents got to watch a jatra.
The three-day festival, held at the initiative of local councilor and mayor Krishna Chakraborty, also featured Chhau dance, folk songs, a flower show and horse rides.
Ranajit Basak had brought his niece to the fair for the bird show, but was disappointed to see it off the platter. “I had come here last year and seen beautiful birds. We hardly get to see so many birds in our vicinity or even any bird show in this area, so when I heard this festival was back I brought my niece along. She loves birds and was hoping to see them,” said Basak, an AG Block resident.
Siya Das wanted to take a picture with macaws but was upset to see their tent missing from the carnival. “Last year I was here with my grandparents. I saw macaws for the first time but was scared to take pictures with them. This time I had brought my parents and had mustered the courage to click pictures but they are not here,” said the six-year-old. Then again, her disappointment vanished at the prospect of extra time on the bouncy castle.
The mayor explained why the bird show was called off. “We had to stop the show due to an order of the Supreme Court. The court has ruled that it was torturous to keep birds in cages for so long among so many people. By evening they start getting restless since they are meant to be in the open. Hence we have not arranged a bird show this time,” she added.
Jatra on track
“For last 12 years this event has celebrated the nature and culture of Bengal. Chhau dance and jatra are an important part of our culture that run the risk of getting lost. We are trying to revive these arts through such events. This way they can reach out to a large audience, especially the younger generation,” said Chakraborty.
Many in the audience were excited to watch jatra. “I have watched a few jatras when I was young. They used to take place in open spaces with large crowds around them. I always found their names funny. We do not get to see them much now-a-days so I want to stay back and enjoy the jatra,” said Indrani Ghosh, an elderly CL Block resident who had got a friend along to watch Moroner Sathe Sindur Khela.
One of the actors, Robin Mondol was happy to be performing in Salt Lake. “Last night our show was in Nadia and today we are here. Though I have been acting for more than 10 years, I always enjoy the experience. Now-a-days not many are interested in jatra, especially in the city. So whenever we get a call from here it makes us happy,” said Mondol, all set to play an uncle in the performance.
Flora and fauna
The fair also had a large flower display by local nurseries along with free cow cart and horse carriage rides for kids.
“Children are enjoying both the rides. Many adults are also coming and asking if they can hop on. When we say no, they are settling for pictures. We had been here before the pandemic and then was a gap of a few years. We usually rent out horses for marriages and events and are happy to be back in Salt Lake,” said Rajesh, the owner of the horse.