Shahpura keeps spirit alive, Boat Club deserted

By Zufeen Khan & Chaitanya Kumar
BHOPAL: Raahgiri event was a picture of contrasts at two different venues this Sunday. While Upper Lake wore a totally deserted look during Raahgiri hours, slew of events kept the charm of event alive at Shahpura. Zumba, exercises, aerobics; nothing marked the weekend morning at Upper Lake and the number of visitors did not even cross 150 mark.Like usual days, only a handful of joggers and cyclists were seen passing by the lakeside.
"Nothing happens at Raahgiri now. Empty stages were proof of people's fading interest in the unique event. It was disheartening to see not even a single event taking place this Sunday despite the fact that the temperature has gone down by many notches of late," said Surbhi Goyal.
"Eve-teasing is another problem, which keeps many families and girls away from Upper Lake area during Raahgiri," said a regular Raahgiri participant Sadiya Shakeel.
Another regular visitor Harshita Shahi added, "Cops must keep a tab on such miscreants during Raahgiri event."
On the other hand, school kids and youngsters made the most of pleasant weather around Shahpura lake. Morning Zumba session was, however, delayed due to electricity crisis, and it resulted in thin attendance at the most attracting event of Raahgiri. However, that did not affect the enthusiasm of schoolkids, who grooved to the tunes of various Bollywood numbers as their parents were seen clicking their pictures.
"It was an amazing stroll near Shahpura during Raahgiri event," said Anirudh Sharma.