Happy Streets get livelier by the week

NASHIK: Flautists played happy notes, a game or two of volleyball drew children and the grown-ups alike, there was no end to clicking selfies and the mean machines roared aloud. Once again, College Road became the centre of attraction as hundreds reached the venue of Happy Streets, which has over the past few weeks become the most favourite Sunday destination of enthusiastic Nashikities.
Introduced for the first time by The Times of India and the Maharashtra Times, Happy Streets, a concept launched across the country, its venue in Nashik, College Road, saw both the regulars and fresh faces as they reclaimed the otherwise busy road, once again this Sunday. Priya Patil, a second year fine arts student, said, "I presented some of my art when Happy Streets was held the first time. But I could not attend last week's event. But I made it a point to come up with new paintings and sketches this Sunday," she said. The visitors were a source of inspiration as some gave suggestions and others appreciated while she noted down the changes to be made in her work, she added.
Kiran Tambat has been a photographer for the last 22 years and he made his presence felt by a series of pictures taken from his mobile phone. "I have been clicking pictures with my mobile phone for the last two years now. Through the display, I want to show people that good pictures can also be clicked with mobile phones. Instead of playing games, mobile can also be used to develop a hobby. Beauty is everywhere around us and this device is the best medium to capture images on the go," he added.
A group of around 30 flautists also came to mesmerise the crowd in addition to the music band that has been consistently performing for the last two Sundays. "We played songs like 'Jayo Stute', 'Hey Ram', 'Raghupati Raghav', "Dehachi Tijori' and songs to match Shivaji Jayanti like 'Dnyanavar Ujale Talvarichi Paat' and other inspiring music," said Ravindra Joshi, who led the group.
For some first timers, the visit was more to experience the atmosphere. Asavari Bhargavi, who had accompanied her friend Rakshanda Chitte, said, "We took a long walk to see the fun filled activities and being a part of those. It is nice to see a charged atmosphere and people enjoying every bit of it," Bhargavi said.
About 50 children and 20 adults also went on to tie nets in the middle of the street and play volleyball. Rajendra Shinde, the coach of a sports club, said, "The students practise daily at the court. Today (Sunday) we decided to do it on College Road. The aim is to promote sports," he added.
A group of city bikers, Nashik Yezdi Jawa Club, also made its debut at the Happy Streets on Sunday. About 35 bikes from the 1960 to 1996 were on display, much to the appreciation of many about their efforts to maintain the two-wheelers and the vintage charm associated with those.
Some of the ensthusiasts went ahead asking if they could own one of these bikes for an obvious "No" as reply. Many senior citizens were present admiring the bikes and reliving the memories of the bygone era. Nana Sarode, one of the members, said the club has around 150 bikes. "Some of us decided to visit Happy Streets and exhbit the bikes. People, especially children, should know about these bikes and their make. Queries come from teenagers about bikes having two silencers that are absent in modern two wheelers or are modified," he said.