Children make memories by keeping toy tradition alive at Kandhei Melana

Bhubaneswar: Inspired by elders bringing idols of Lord Krishna in colourful processions as a part of Dola Purnima and Holi celebrations, children of Bhagabanpur village on the outskirts of the city decided to bring their toys in beautifully decorated palanquins and assemble them at the village melana (meeting) ground about 60 years ago.
Since then, the unique tradition of Kandhei is continuing as every year, children and residents of several villages in the locality take part in Melana in Patrapada. Mayor Sulochana Das on Tuesday inaugurated the celebration of childhood and toys.
“Toys play a very important role in the lives of children and we all have beautiful memories associated with toys and childhood. Children not only play with toys but share their emotions and feelings with toys. I am happy that elders of the village supported the kids in continuing this unique tradition and helped them host Kandhei Melana every year,” said Das.
This year, a colourful procession of various folk arts accompanied the palanquins to the fair ground. Children carried more than a dozen palanquins filled with toys and put them in the middle of the field. They said the number of participants is less this year as the annual examination in government schools is going on.
“Our annual exams are usually over when Kandhei Melana is held. But this year, the examination is going on so many children did not come, leading to a drop in footfall,” said Manas Ranjan Sahu, a Class VIII student of Patrapada.
The villagers of Bhagbanpur have formed a Kandhei Melana Organising Committee and requested the government to promote this unique festival as a tourist attraction.