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Fairs
An a verage
fair is enchantingly picturesque. A bustling market springs up, in which
articles of food and products of local handicrafts-toys, glass bangles
and an assortment of all kinds of articles for domestic use-are on display.
A greater accent is, however, always on the toy shops where photographs
and clay models of Rama and Sita, of Hanuman flying with the life giving
herb, of Lord Krishna and his Gopis, and of Lord Siva with his trident
and snakes are well displayed. The whole mythology seems to be depicted
in toys. Women can be seen excitedly haggling for trinkets. There is fun
and frolic all round. The old as well as the young run to the swings
and swing to their heart's content. The gay ones in small groups sing
Bolian and perform folk dances to the strain of the Vanijli and
Algoza. The sturdy ones test their strength in wrestling fields. It is
a feast of color and gaiety and fully reflects the joy of the community.
The fairs of the Punjab are linked with its culture
and reflect by and large, the various phases of its life. Some of the
distinct Punjabi traits are depicted in them. They may be divided into
the following types: i) Seasonal fairs ii) Mythical fairs
iii) Fairs held in honour of saints iv) Fairs connected with festivals.
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