Back after 10 years, Asiad Circus expects crowds

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, March 18

Asiad Circus is back in the city after a gap of 10 years. The organisers hope that the show will pull crowds in this age of digital media. Beginning from Monday, there will be three shows for 40 days. The circus shall involve a number of artistes, clowns, gymnasts and other stunt persons showcasing their art.

Charan Singh, a clown who has been performing for over 20 years, said, “I love performing here and like to make people laugh.”

The organisers have brought gymnasts from Ethiopia for the first time in India. The circus will be inaugurated by Mayor Karamjeet Singh Rintu, Senior Deputy Mayor Raman Bakshi and Deputy Mayor Younas Kumar.

Raju Pahalwan, owner of the Asiad Circus, said, “We have brought a lot of artistes. They will performe unique items. We expect people to throng the show.”

However, the owners and staff feel that the craze of circus has gone down over the years. The primarily reason is the ban on animals in circus along with various recreational activities.

“There was a time when there were a number of circus organisers in the country but now only a handful is left. We don’t get any support from the government and animals are not allowed to perform with us. Animals were the soul of the show. It has become extremely difficult to sustain nowadays,” Pahalwan added.

The show timings are 1 pm, 4 pm and 7.30 pm. The tickets have been priced at Rs 80, Rs 150 and Rs 250.