# Skidding
Children: The Joy of Play in Rural Bihar
During one of
my travels deep inside the villages of Bihar, I had the opportunity to stay in
Gaya, a place often referred to as the land of Buddha. While exploring the
region, I came to know about the fascinating Barabar Caves—ancient rock-cut
caves built during the Mauryan period in the 3rd century A.D. Situated near the
Falgu River in the Maqdumpur area of Jehanabad district, approximately 25 km
north of Gaya, these caves are an architectural marvel and a testament to
India’s rich historical heritage.
While covering
the Barabar Caves, I was drawn to a heartwarming sight—children from the nearby
villages joyfully playing and skidding on a large solid rock. Their innocent
laughter and sheer delight reminded me of the universal nature of
childhood—free from worries, unbothered by adversity, and always finding joy in
their surroundings.
In the absence
of modern playgrounds, these children had ingeniously turned a naturally smooth
rock into a slide. Just as city children enjoy slides in urban parks, these
rural kids had adapted to their environment, making the best of what nature
provided.
The Developmental Benefits of Sliding
Sliding is not
just a playful activity; it has profound benefits for children’s physical and
cognitive growth:
- Enhances Balance & Coordination: Sliding aids in developing the
vestibular system, helping children improve their sense of balance and
spatial awareness. - Strengthens Muscles: The act of climbing up and
sliding down engages different muscle groups, enhancing strength and
flexibility. - Boosts Social Skills: Sliding in groups fosters
turn-taking, sharing, patience, and tolerance among children. - Encourages Risk-Taking &
Confidence: The
thrill of sliding teaches kids to explore, experiment, and gain confidence
in their abilities. - Improves Grip Strength: Holding onto the slide and
stabilizing oneself helps develop grip strength, essential for various
physical activities. - Prevents Obesity: Active playtime keeps children
physically engaged, promoting better health and fitness.
A Call for Appreciation & Development
Witnessing the
sheer joy of these children sliding on the rock made me appreciate their
resilience and ability to find happiness despite the scarcity of resources.
This region, home to the incredible Barabar Caves, has immense tourism
potential. If the state government develops this site into a proper tourist
destination, it could attract more visitors, boost the local economy, and
significantly benefit the nearby villagers.
Places to Visit Nearby:
- Bodh Gaya – A major Buddhist pilgrimage
site. - Pret Shila Hills – A sacred site known for its
religious significance. - Vishnupad Temple – A revered temple dedicated to
Lord Vishnu.
How to Reach Barabar Caves:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Gaya,
approximately 30 km away. - By Train: The closest railway stations are
Makdumpur and Gaya, just 6 km away. - By Road: Barabar Caves are located 6 km
from Makdumpur and 25 km from Gaya. The site is easily accessible from the
Gaya-Patna road.
Accommodation in Gaya:
Gaya offers a
variety of accommodations, from high-end hotels to budget lodges and
Dharamshalas, catering to all kinds of travelers.
In picture
children sliding on a rock.
Text and Photo
by – Ashok Karan
ashokkaran.blogspot.com
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