As the earth moved slowly away from its star, and temperatures dropped to a comfortable 20-0dd degree, the scorching sun of May assumed its benign winter mantle, and our neighb-
ourhood Oprah Winfrey, Anita Bhalwar; murmured relentlessly in my ear about our resolve to have a sports event for the Block. We had long planned for a special event for the kiddos of the Sector but kept postponing due to the uncomfortable weather.
What she had not counted on, was the enthusiasm of the RWA EC Members for the occasion. What had been planned as a small, low-key, inexpensive Sports Day grew exponentially. What to do to keep the parents happy, while the children play? How to get the footfalls in? What to feed the hungry bacchaas after their energetic romping? Before we could say Dhoni, the Sports Day had metamorphosed into a Grand Winter Carnival.
Stall waalas queued up to set up a grand show. Strategically installed near the entrance; the ladies made a beeline for the array of sarees, suits, bags, fashion jewellery, expensive jackets, shawls, western clothes, and other geegaws on display. For those less giddy-headed, a sedate stall of a famed Aggarbattis had an amazing display of Pooja ka Saamaan. Appropriately enough, the next counter was set up by a renowned tarot reader, whose intuitive approach to her branch of Para Science won accolades from no less a personage than the president of the Sector. Wedged in between the spiritual and temporal was Lady Luck, and guests played Lucky 7 to their hearts full. And their pockets are Empty (Funny Face Emoji). The star stall of course was manned by our resident genius, Prathamesh, assisted by his sister, Suchi. The children loved managing the stall, and played, flip it if you can, Brain Teaser Box, Colour Splash memory Game and Hit the nose on the Poster. A no profit no loss enterprise, everyone who played, received a chocopie/pen as a prize!
Let the Games Begin True to her promise, Anita commenced her games, in her inimitable style. Starting with group games, to set the mood, she organised an energetic series of races, for all age groups of children. Obstacle races, lemon races, and passing the ball matki phor were all games, the elders had played, but the most amusing for both adults and kids was the Bursting the Balloon team race. As the children stomped the balloons, turn by turn, one balloon, aided by a friendly breeze decided to dash for freedom, and the kiddo had to run helter-skelter to catch up. Another clenched his teeth when his turn came, fearful of the Big Bang. But Anita had more up her sleeve. As the children romped, the grownups, nostalgically began remembering past fun times. That was her cue to start the adult games. Her ice-breaker, passing the hoop, pitted Guys against Gals, and, much to the amusement of their children, the line of parents writhed and shrugged and giggled. To their immense gratification, (and, I think, thankfulness) the Male Team managed to establish ‘Male Supremacy’. This was followed up with a Dress Up race. This involved donning a pair of snazzy sunglasses, wearing a party cap, lacing up with pretty ribbons and tooting a horn. It was a sight to see our sober and sedate resident senior Mr Bhasin all togged up tooting a horn and ready to Paaarrty!! Nor were the super senior ladies left out! A seated ribbon race, with daughters and daughters in law, cheering them on, had a triumphant Ms Dania pip her neighbours to the finish and grab the first prize. So successful were the games that the popular Tambola planned were quite forgotten and remembered only much later when the residents had finished with their lunch!
LUNCH! A scrumptious spread of Sarson ka saag, Makki ki roti, channa masala, aaloo sabzi, with bedavi puri, kadi pakora, dahi bhalla, followed by moong daal halwa and gulab jamun in the warm winter sun was walloped by both children and adults. Lunch was followed by the Garbage Game. Rejuvenated, the residents returned to more fun and games. Amazingly, there was no post-lunch torpor. Neither among the contestants nor in the Game master. Another hour passed away before anyone realised that we had not played the mandatory game of Tambola. Amusingly, enough, that game proved a relatively damp squib compared to the fun and frolic of the past 4 hours. An interesting turn was given to the game, as, instead of cash prizes, we had solid prizes. 3 pairs of the latest Carrera sunglasses were distributed for each Full House. The last game played was a masterstroke, and won much applause, for its innovative and practical nature. Each child was given a garbage bag and given 2 minutes to collect as much garbage as they could. Within 2 minutes, the entire Park was clean and pristine as in the morning. As the sun began its journey into the far horizon, the residents returned, tired, satiated and happy.
by Anita Singh (9810027974)
