Bareilly shot to fame in 1966 when the late Bollywood actress Sadhana danced to the song Jhumka gira re, Bareilly ke bazaar mein in the movie Mera Saaya .
The city, however, had no speciality in making or selling ‘jhumkas’ (ear danglers) and neither did it make any efforts to cash in on the popularity of the song. Finally, after over 53 years, Bareilly will get its ‘jhumka’, a symbolic replica of this piece of jewellery.
According to sources, the Bareilly Development Authority (BDA) has sought the approval of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to install a ‘jhumka’ at the Parsakhera zero point.
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The project was first conceived in the early 90s, but hit a roadblock due to paucity of funds and availability of a suitable location.
The BDA had even invited designs for the ‘jhumka’. It was earlier to be installed at Delapeer trisection and then the Bara bypass but the decision was changed due to possibility of traffic congestion at these two points. The replica will now come up at the entrance of the city on the Delhi-Bareilly road at Parsakhera.
According to BDA officials, they have been waiting for the NHAI approval and soon as it comes, the installation work will be taken up.
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BDA secretary A.K. Singh said, “The ambitious ‘jhumka’ project was in the limbo for a long. However, the project has now been worked upon and a new location near Parsakhera, at the entrance of the city. We have sought the NHAI’s approval. We hope to get it soon, and as soon as it happens, the work will commence.
“Although we have selected the Parsakhera zero point for the project, there could be some changes in the previous design and the area depending on the area available. We may constrict or expand the project.”
BDA sources said that the proposed jhumka will be 2.43 m in diameter and 12-14 feet in height. The landscaping around the ‘jhumka’ is estimated to cost around ₹18 lakh. There will be three surma (kohl) bottles (inspired from the word ‘surme daani’ used in the song) surrounding the structure. Surma bottles will be kept in parapet walls, which will also have colourful lights installed there.
Besides, colourful stones and zari work, for which the city is famous, would be used for decoration.
The entire structure will be surrounded by a rotary in such a manner that it will give the entire edifice and its surrounding area a landscape view. The silver-golden coloured ‘jhumka’ will be made up of multi-coloured stones embedded with ‘minakari’, an art form colouring and ornamenting the surface of metals by fusing over it brilliant colours that are decorated in an intricate design) design.