Going to the Mela

This is a discussion-based question. Sample Answer: To travel within my city/town/village, I use different modes of transport depending on the distance. For short distances, I walk or ride a bicycle. For longer distances within the city, my family uses a bus, auto-rickshaw, or car. In some villages, people also use bullock carts or cycle-rickshaws.

This is a personal writing activity. Sample Answer: Last summer, I went to my grandmother's village with my family. We travelled by train. The journey was very exciting. I saw green fields, rivers, and hills from the window. At the village, we played in the open fields, ate fresh fruits from the garden, and listened to stories told by my grandmother at night. It was one of the best trips I have ever taken.

Given: A mela (fair) has a 'Lost and Found' booth.

Answer: The purpose of the 'Lost and Found' booth is to help people who have lost something or someone in the mela. If a child gets separated from their family, or if someone loses a belonging such as a bag or wallet, they can go to this booth for help. The volunteers at the booth make announcements and reunite lost children with their families, and return lost items to their owners.

Given: A police dog is present at the mela.

Answer: The police dog helps the police in maintaining safety and security at the mela. It uses its strong sense of smell to detect suspicious items or missing persons. It can also help trace lost children or track down people who may cause trouble. The police dog works alongside police officers to keep everyone safe at the mela.

This is a personal experience question. Sample Answer: Yes, I have been to a mela in my town. I liked the giant wheel and the merry-go-round the most. I also enjoyed eating jalebi and cotton candy. The puppet show was very entertaining. I also loved watching the colourful stalls selling bangles, toys, and clay models. The mela was full of lights, music, and fun.

This is a sharing/discussion activity. Sample Answer: If I were in place of Nita, Radha, Sneha, and Rohit, I would first enjoy the rides like the giant wheel and the merry-go-round. Then I would watch the puppet show and the magic show. I would buy colourful bangles and clay toys from the stalls. I would eat delicious sweets like jalebi and ladoo made by the halwai. I would also try the mehendi (mehndi) stall and get a beautiful design on my hand. At the end, I would play some fun games and win prizes.

This is a home-based discussion activity. Sample Answer: After talking to my grandparents, I found out that melas in their time were simpler but very joyful. There were no electronic rides or loud music systems. People travelled to the mela on foot, by bullock cart, or by bicycle. The main attractions were folk dances, nautanki (street plays), acrobats, and animal shows. Sweets were made fresh on the spot. There were no plastic items — most toys and decorations were made of clay, wood, or cloth. People from nearby villages would gather together, making it a big social event.

Given: A mela is a large gathering of many people.

Answer: Fire engines and ambulances are present at a mela because a mela is a very crowded place with a large number of people.
- Fire engines are kept ready in case a fire breaks out due to cooking stalls, electrical faults, or firecrackers. They help put out the fire quickly and prevent it from spreading.
- Ambulances are kept ready in case someone gets injured, falls sick, or has a medical emergency in the crowd. They provide immediate first aid and can rush the patient to a hospital quickly.
Both are important for the safety and well-being of everyone at the mela.

This question requires the student to look at the sketch/map provided in the textbook. Since the map image is not visible here, the student should:
1. Carefully study the sketch given on the page.
2. Locate the label 'Rohit and Sneha's house' on the map.
3. Circle it with a pencil or pen.

Note: The answer depends on the specific map in the textbook. Students should refer to their textbook map and circle the correct house.

This question requires the student to look at the sketch/map provided in the textbook. Since the map image is not visible here, the student should:
1. Carefully study the sketch given on the page.
2. Locate the label 'Nita and Radha's house' on the map.
3. Circle it with a pencil or pen.

Note: The answer depends on the specific map in the textbook. Students should refer to their textbook map and circle the correct house.