The Swaraj Maidan has become a hot destination for kids, who are making a beeline, with their parents in tow, for the Jamuna Circus.
The circus team, including 60-odd artists mainly from Manipur and Nepal and 40 workers, descended on the city and started the show on Monday. Services of around 20 local workers have also been hired which also help the organisers overcome language barriers.
The month-long exciting event will be on till December 20.
A trained elephant which offers puja to the idol of Lord Shiva, plays cricket and performs other endearing feats, dogs and parrots enhance the excitement levels of kids. Globe riding on bikes is yet another feature which makes many viewers edgy.
‘No animals’
“Jamuna Circus has come to this city after a gap of almost 25 years. Earlier, we had animals to entertain the audience, but since norms don’t permit to use animals, we have switched to other forms of entertainment,” says Circus assistant manager Rajendra Sahoo.
The circus was established by Sardar Gurdeep Singh of Punjab in 1901. After his demise, his son Charanjeet Singh runs the show, informs Mr. Sahoo.
The organisers have designed more than 50 items of which, 30-35 items are displayed in each show. Three shows are presented daily to entertain the local crowds at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and at 7 p.m.
When asked about public response, Mr. Sahoo says it is too early to say anything about local patronage.
