When we were children, the arrival of Durga Puja filled our hearts with excitement. A colourful balloon bought by our father could make us feel like the happiest children in the world. We enjoyed little competitions with our friends over whose balloon was bigger or more beautiful. But today, in the age of Gen Alpha and Gen Beta, many children seem more attracted to mobile phones than to balloons. Sadly, some children are even mocked as “outdated” for playing with them. Have we become so modern that we are forgetting the simple joys of childhood?
Today, while passing by a Durga Puja pandal, I saw a couple walking happily with colourful balloons in their hands. I was surprised to see that people of our generation still have so much love for balloons! I even took a photograph of them from behind. Later, I spoke to a balloon seller and learned that his sales had not been good this year. His words touched my heart. A balloon may seem like a small thing to us, but for a local seller, every sale brings hope and helps put a smile on his family’s faces. Behind that simple balloon lies the struggle of someone trying to earn a living.
Balloons are not just toys. Playing with them can help children develop hand-eye coordination, recognise colours, use their imagination and build social skills, while also bringing happiness to their hearts. Let us encourage Gen Alpha and Gen Beta to step away from mobile screens, play with balloons, laugh freely and enjoy the true beauty of childhood. Playing with balloons is never “outdated”—the simple joys of childhood are timeless. The charm of our old days will always remain special, and those memories will forever be precious. This Durga Puja, let us buy a balloon from a local seller and bring a little smile to his face.