’Makkala Habba’ at Pillikula makes children hop in happiness on first day

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru,Nov 22, 2015: On the opening day Nov 21, ’Makkala Habba’ had all the joys of a country fair of old, a mini giant wheel, merry-go-round, candy stalls, heaps of groundnuts, chocolates, puffed rice, buttermilk, fun games, ride on camel and horse, cycle stunts, bull ride....and much more.

 

A total of 43,000 children and 7,000 teachers - 22,000 children from Dakshina Kannada and 9,000 from other districts - participated in the Habba, organised by the district administration and the Dr Shivarama Karanth Pilikula Nisargadhama. The fest also attracted 5,000 public.

The children were handed ice candy and mask soon after registration. After a round through all the eatables, some children were seen carrying five to six sticks of sugarcane when they were going back.

At the Nisargadhama, some children were seen getting their photo clicked with backgrounds of cut-outs of monuments like Taj Mahal, Vidhana Soudha, Burj Khalifa, Hampi and Eiffel Tower. Other children engaged themselves in clay art, origami and paper art while science enthusiasts were introduced to the wonders of science at an expo on robotics and automation in science galleries.

Children also enjoyed swingng on a tyre and visiting cartoon expo. Students, especially boys, were wonderstuck by the vintage cars and bikes exhibited at the Makkala Habba. The slow cycle race by members of Vigneshwara Cycle Circus Kala Mandali received a huge round of applause from the children.

Children expressed their awe at the Habba :  "We got to eat a lot of what we liked.  We like to come here every day," they told the media present. Other children said that ’Makkala Habba’  is a good opportunity for enjoyment, and were glad to enjoy as well as learn a lot of new things.

Teachers too enjoyed the festival. "It has provided an exposure to the students. I have not seen such festivities in my teaching career. The organisers should organise it for at least one week, so that all schoolchildren in the district can visit Pilikula and enjoy," said one senior teacher. "It was altogether a new experience for the children." said another.

Cultural programmes

Children, dressed as national leaders and freedom fighters, added colour to the show. They put up cultural shows on three different stages at the venue. Programmes like mimicry, Yakshagana and magic stood testimony to the rich cultural heritage. Ashok Polali entertained the kids with ’Koli Nritya.’  It was indeed a day to enjoy for kids. The Mela will also happen today Nov 22.