While the rest of the country prepares to celebrate Dussehra with great enthusiasm and festive spirit on October 20, a grim atmosphere of helplessness has gripped the NIT Dussehra Ground in Faridabad. Hundreds of ride operators and workers, who traveled from distant districts with hopes of earning a livelihood, have seen their festive plans shattered by strict administrative restrictions. With their pockets empty and no roof over their heads, these families have spent the last fifteen days living among rides packed inside trailers, now struggling to afford basic meals and the fare to return home.
Administrative Ban and Living Under the Open Sky
None of the workers managed to secure permission to install their rides, leaving them deeply worried about how they will manage their return expenses. For the past fifteen days, these individuals have been enduring harsh conditions under the open sky. The amusement rides remain locked inside trailers, and there is no visible path to earning any income. The stranded workers continue to face immense hardship with no immediate solution in sight.
Exhausted Savings Force Reliance on Temple Offerings
Arvind, a worker who arrived to set up rides, shared his plight, stating that he reached the location nearly fifteen to sixteen days ago. He explained that setting up rides during Dussehra is his primary source of annual income, but the administration refused permission this time. Whatever money he brought along has completely run out. To survive, he is now forced to rely on prasad from local temples for sustenance. Furthermore, he needs thousands of rupees just to pay the fare for his journey back home.
Zero Earnings Threaten Household Survival
Mosam Devi, another worker who arrived with expectations of business, noted that she visits every year, but the lack of authorization has derailed everything. She spent roughly ten thousand rupees just to travel to the location. Without any earnings, she wonders how her household will survive. Her family members are busy packing up the rides while their young children endure the ongoing ordeal alongside them.
Double Crisis of Illness and Financial Strain
Meena recounted that it has been fifteen days since her family arrived at the ground, bringing severe difficulties regarding food and shelter. Compounding their misery, her husband fell ill while dismantling the rides. Living under the open sky with small children has become an uphill battle. The primary concern weighing on her mind is how to return home and manage basic household expenses amid mounting debt.
Haribabu from Gwalior Faces Complete Loss of Income
Haribabu, who traveled all the way from Gwalior to set up a swing ride, explained that transportation and rental costs alone drained about twelve thousand rupees from his pocket. Operating rides during the Dussehra festival is his dedicated livelihood, but the inability to set up equipment has completely halted his income and left him stranded.
