Nurungukal....contd...

                Calicut was famous for the two major events conducted every year with much ado. The first one was a family entertainer. The EXHIBITION  organised by the Muncipal Corporation used to draw crowds from far and near. I have witnessed it in my different stages of life, i.e. as a child, college student, adult and after my marriage. At each occasion it provided a different dimension. As a child I was fascinated to the lighter parts such as toys, games, illumination, magic shows, etc. which I missed in the festivals of villages. The boyhood attracted the adventure events viz. Fire dive, death well and many types or merry go rounds. A college student in me evoked pleasure in a touch, glance or a chat with those to whom I was drawn close by infatuation. Also an exposure to the world of books and new information's triggered curiosity and to pursue certain subjects in depth. But as a married man shouldering much more responsibility I visualised the totality and  denomination of knowledge of the event. I used to skip many stalls, leaving my children and wife to their choice in search of innovative manifestations in agriculture and allied subjects or enjoy a debate in a cultural forum and to enjoy an evening with the family  by fulfilling  their demands to purchase a new item of kitchen ware, a pair of fancy chapals or to gorge a masala dosai etc.

                The second event was the Sait Nagji football tournament.  Along with my college mates used to witness almost all the important matches. Before Nagji Tourney the league matches of the football clubs in Calicut and adjacent places might have been over. There was no permanent stadium in Calicut those days. A gallery made of bamboo to hold a fairly large number of spectators used to be erected. There were some experts to take up this job. It needs a good engineering technique to erect a stable gallery. Otherwise there is all chance for a  collapse when thousands apply their weight and force as the game proceeds. Many popular teams from all over the country took part. To mention a few, JCT MILLS, MOHAN BAGAN, MOHAMMEDANS, EAST BENGAL, MRC WILLINGTON, K.S.R.T.C, some Goan teams etc etc. YOUNG CALLENGERS from calicut was a pet local team. Even some college teams took part to gain an exposure. I was lucky to see many popular players of those days in action. Such as Chunnu Goswamy, Sulficar, Chidanadan [ who was my college mate playing for MRC], Thangaraj , Balakrishnan [K.S.R.T.C.]etc.etc. This mega event facilitated in discovering many talents and also enthused many to acquire proficiency in the game.

                The admission fee was not affordable to us.We used to play many tricks to enter the stadium. One or two may purchase tickets and others will force into by creating a commotion at the gate. Usually when the tourney is on we used to save the money we get to buy the season ticket for the college bus, either by dodging the conductor or by covering half the distance on foot to Pokkunnu after getting down at Mankavu. Or as a last resort sell the old news paper without the knowledge of our sister-in-law. But she used to excuse us by pretending ignorance of our mischief.

                This was one event which the sport lovers of Calicut nurtured in their heart. Why it was abandoned by the organisers is unknown to the public and I eagerly hope that some day it will be revived because it was part and parcel of the heritage of Calicut now Kozhikode. Or like the loss by the demolition of Huzur Katchery at Manachira which now remains only in our nostalgic memory,  perhaps this event also my go down into the fathoms of our heart without a chance to surface.