May it be greasy summers, cold wintery chills or pitter patter rains, the open fields and parched lands were an all-season playground. The afternoons heard winning screams, roars of excitement and thud of running feet.
The outdoor ‘latoo’ tournaments saw more craze among the 90’s kids of all age groups than the playgrounds will ever witness in the present times. Surpassing the era of entertainment via radio , comics, television and theatrical shows, there came a phase when the spinners that were once purely handcrafted with wood got replaced with a more refined metal version called Beyblade made in Japan. While the older generations mused over the past, it was altogether a fresh experience for the newer generation. It’s like seeing the generation grabbing back its roots and opting for the same sources for entertainment that once our elders chose for themselves.
Then there were kids who adored indoor games from the sheer comfort of their favourite spots. Setting-up the doll house with carved wooden human members in miniature forms made with traditional lacquer ware turning technique, it was more like a play where took place the exchange of exciting stories. These old ways paved way for plastic-made Barbie dolls, adorned with western clothing that received much hype. But the older generations are trying to bring back the trend of wooden hand-made toys that uses only non-toxic colours and carry with them the true heritage of India.
Perfecting at aiming each other and pelting with stones with ‘gulel’, then notoriously hiding behind lush green bushes were the real joy that came free of cost with childhood. Moving in herds playing native games were the simpler times which are gradually coming in vogue because of their availability in e-commerce platforms.
The little minds of the 21st century is claimed by expensive gadgets, smartphones and PSPs, taking away the rage for outdoor games. Physically stunted growth and movement is giving rise to some serious ailments. The parents of today’s generation are trying hard to recollect the lost pieces of their older versions of childhood days that had warmth of Indian artisan’s creativity with a pinch of tradition, culture, non-toxicity. With the help of toy industries and online shopping websites the kids are again being introduced to handmade toys like rattle, puller toys etc.
