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Kids get a humpy ride

Camel rides add to the fun of a no-frills birthday bash

Photo: P.V Sivakumar

GIANT RIDE Children can get a camel ride for Rs 20 each

Enough has been said and written about birthday parties for kids becoming a lavish affair in the last few years.

Some parents from the well-heeled set stop at nothing to make their child's occasion, be it a naam karan or a birthday bash, the talk of the town.

Thankfully, this hasn't stopped most others from letting their kids enjoy simple pleasures of childhood.

Pratisha, a 10-year-old, had a surprise awaiting her on her birthday a few days ago. As always, her parents invited her friends for the habitual cake, games and return gifts fun. Added to that, they hired a camel and the kids got to enjoy camel rides all through the afternoon.

For Mohammad Ghouse, it's become part of a routine to take his camel around to residential colonies on such occasions. Ghouse and others like him are regulars on necklace roads and are popular with children who want horse and camel rides.

"People approach us two days ahead of the event. This isn't new, but of late the demand has increased.

At least 15-20 days in a month, the camels are hired for birthday parties, naam karan, mehendi and sangeet ahead of a wedding, and even on the wedding day," informs Ghouse. To hire a camel for a day, he quotes a price of Rs. 1,500 - 2,000.

"The rides are aimed at children. Generally, we do not allow very young children atop a camel all alone. One of us accompany them. Be it for functions or regular days at necklace roads, the cops keep reminding us to ensure the child's safety," adds Ibrahim, who works with Ghouse.

Special occasions apart, at time, you would find these camel keepers frequenting residential areas. Children can then enjoy a joy ride for Rs 20 each.

SANGEETHA DEVI. K

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