Visit the Bhil Carnival
Subhash Amaliyar and Gita Wolf
Tara Books
Is it a book, a poster or a map? All three really, and certainly what is contained within the covers is fascinating and well worth a visit or rather, multiple visits. Herein we follow that ‘COME IN’ balloon and accompany Neela and younger sister, Peela on a visit to the mela – the first on their own. To visit an Indian mela or fair is assuredly an assault on the senses – sights, sounds and smells almost overwhelm. (I’ve visited many including a Bhil Gavari in Rajasthan.) Something of this feeling is engendered here in this rendition of a colourful Bhil carnival, held annually in Madhya Pradesh and called Bhagoria, but it certainly is not overwhelming; rather it’s inviting and fascinating.

A ride on the dizzying ferris wheel – scarily pushed by big men, is a must. There are shops and stalls – some selling delicious food – “COCONUT BURFI! TOFFEE! LADDOO!” is the cry (joy to Neela’s ears) and those scrumptious cooling ices from the ice-cream wallah – “CHOC-O-BAR! CONE ICE-CREAM! … PINEAPPLE! PISTA! ICE-CREAM!”, tempting toys (Peela’s favourite place), bouncing balloons – Peela cannot resist a pink one; and then there’s a stop at the photo booth for a souvenir snap before the brother and sister must wend their way home.
An accessible narrative by Gita Wolf in the small book discreetly placed in a corner and also illustrated by the Bhil artist, Subhash Amaliyar, whose images painted in vibrant traditional style form the main fold-out spread, really bring the whole thing alive.
There is also a final paragraph or two about the artist, his background and that of Bhagoria inside the back cover.
All in all, a dazzling experience and one to be revisited on many occasions, rather than – like the festival – just once a year.
Those of us who work in education will likely find this a boon for exploring art forms and techniques with young (or not so young) children. For further information and ideas you can pay a visit to the Tara website: http://www.tarabooks.com

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