02. Going to the Mela- Chapter Notes

Introduction

Have you ever visited the mela? Did you went with your family or with friends? Today we will study the chapter“Going to the Mela.” The chapter is about Nita, Radha, their family, and their friends as they prepare for the mela. They all are very excited for the mela(fair). The chapter shows the joy and fun of children and adults as they go to the mela, talk with family and neighbours, and explore the fun-filled activities at the fair.

Explanation

Preparing for the Mela

Nita and Radha are filled with excitement as they get ready for the mela, a fair has come to their town. Since the mela is far from their home, they decide to take a bus to reach there. They ask theirDadiji (grandmother) to join them, but she hesitates at first due to her leg pain.Nita’s father reassures her saying that they will take care of her.  Dadiji asked, “Have you filled your water bottles?”. To which Nita replied “Yes, Dadiji! Our special bag is ready too .” Their neighbours Sneha and Rohit are also invited. Nita’s father reminded their neighbours to be ready on time.

Mohan Chacha (their paternal uncle) and his family are arriving by train to join them at the mela. Everyone is excited and prepares by packing water bottles and a special bag, ready for a day full of enjoyment. Mohan Chacha tells them they will meet directly at the mela and take a city bus and an autorickshaw.

Try yourself:

What mode of transportation did Nita and Radha choose to reach the mela?

  • A.Train
  • B.Bus
  • C.Car
  • D.Bicycle

View Solution

On the way to the Mela

Sneha and Rohit, who are not only Nita’s neighbours but also her close friends, are getting ready to go to the mela as well. 

Nita took her grandmother’s hand and carefully led her to the bus stop, watching for traffic. They all meet at the bus stop where Bus number 401 arrives to take them to their destination. Since Dadiji is travelling with them, Nita’s father and the bus conductor carefully help her board the bus, ensuring she is comfortable. There is a seat reserved for older people, where Dadiji sits comfortably. 

Once everyone is seated, Rohit’s father buys tickets for the whole group, including five full tickets for the adults and four half tickets for the children. The children are reminded to sit properly and avoid putting their hands or heads out of the window. After passing the city streets, the bus finally reaches the large parade ground where the mela is being held.

Try yourself:

What are the safety measures advised for children during the bus journey to the mela?

  • A.Sit properly and avoid putting hands or head out of the window.
  • B.Share seats with adults to ensure safety.
  • C.Stand up and move around during the journey.
  • D.Eat snacks and drink while on the bus.

View Solution

At the Mela

When both families arrive at the mela, they see the large crowd there. Mohan Chacha and his family also joined them, as they arrived by an autorickshaw. At the entry, a large map shows the layout of the mela, with various stalls for toys, games, and food, as well as safety services like the Lost and Found booth.

Near the entry, an ambulance, police jeep, and fire engine are parked, ensuring everyone’s safety. Dadiji is provided with a wheelchair to help her move comfortably. The children are exicted as they explore the colorful stalls filled with spinning tops, puppets, and dolls. They also take rides on the merry-go-round and the giant wheel, laughing and enjoying themselves. 

Sneha and Radha bought bangles. They also watched magic show.  Mohan Chacha called out the children and asked them to wash their hands and ate tasty snacks like gol gappas, chaat, and jalebis

As the day comes, they notice a police officer with a police dog, which catches the children’s attention and adds a fun surprise to their memorable day at the mela. Dadiji points it out, and the children excitedly shout, “Dadiji, it is a police dog!”

Points to Remember

  • Family Bonding –Spending time together as a family during going out.
  • Travel Safety –The children should follow safety rules while travelling in a bus, like sitting properly and not putting their hands outside.
  • Environmental Awareness –After eating, the children clean up and throw waste in the dustbin, teaching the importance of keeping the surroundings clean.
  • Health and Hygiene –The importance of washing hands before eating is highlighted to promote good hygiene.

Try yourself:

Which concept is highlighted in the chapter by emphasizing the importance of cleaning up and throwing waste in the dustbin?

  • A.Family Bonding
  • B.Travel Safety
  • C.Environmental Awareness
  • D.Health and Hygiene

View Solution

Difficult Words

  • Mela –A fair or festival.
  • Conductor –The person responsible for issuing tickets on a bus.
  • Kumbh Mela –The largest festival in the world, where millions gather by the rivers once every 12 years.
  • Autorickshaw –A three-wheeled motor vehicle used for transportation.
  • Wheelchair –A chair fitted with wheels for people who cannot walk.
  • Parade Ground –A large open area where fairs or parades are held.
  • Phirki –A spinning top, a traditional toy.
  • Merry-go-round –A rotating amusement ride with seats for children.
  • Gol Gappa –A popular Indian street snack.

01. Family and Friends- Chapter Notes

Introduction

How do you spend your day at home ? Who is in your family? Today we will discuss the chapter “Playing Together” which revolves around Bela, her family, and how they enjoy together. Chapter explains the importance of spending time with the family. Bela shares stories about playing with her brothers, enjoying rainy days with her grandparents, and taking care of their pet, Shiru. The chapter also touches upon family traditions, caring for animals, and celebrating festivals, showcasing the warmth and togetherness of a loving family.

Explanation

Playing TogetherBela introduces herself and her brothers Banku Bhaiya and Bishu. They love playing chhupan-chhupai (hide and seek) outside. At home, they also play peek-a-boo with little Bishu. 

They have a garden with many flowering plants where their relatives, friends, and neighbors often gather to chat, share jokes, and laugh together. When Bela’s parents are tired after work, they relax in the garden. Evenings are spent enjoying time together as a family.

Try yourself:

What game do Bela, Banku Bhaiya, and Bishu love playing together?

  • A.Ludo
  • B.Chhupan-chhupai (hide and seek)
  • C.Chess
  • D.Scrabble

View Solution

Singing TogetherOn rainy days, the family sits under a small shelter in their garden. They enjoy playing games like antakshari and snakes and ladders. Bela’s mother and Dadiji (grandmother) make hot pakodas and tea. 

The entire family, including the grandparents, enjoy the pakodas while Dadiji sings songs about the rain. Bela and her siblings join in, as Dadiji has taught them some of these songs.

A Rain SongLook at the dark clouds in the sky,
The rain will come by and by,
Oh, how we love to soak in the rain,
See raindrops on the window panes. 

Paper boats we see in puddles,
Birds on trees together huddled,
Peacocks dance with feathers bright,
Oh, what a beautiful rainy sight. 

Laughing TogetherDadaji (grandfather) has taught Banku the games he played as a child. He even joins in their games sometimes. Their dog, Shiru, runs around happily, barking and wagging his tail.

Shiru is a special member of the family, and Bela’s friends enjoy playing with him too. Banku and Bela never hurt Shiru and share their food with him. 

Try yourself:

Which family member sings songs about the rain in the garden?

  • A.Bela’s father
  • B.Bela’s mother
  • C.Dadiji (grandmother)
  • D.Dadaji (grandfather)

View Solution

Types of Families

Families come in different sizes. Some are big, while others are small. No matter their size, all families are special and care for each other. Families can include parents, children, grandparents, and even other elders.  

Family members love and support one another. Animals, like cows, dogs, and cats, can also be part of a family. Bela and Banku show love and care for their dog Shiru, setting an example of how families care for animals.

Helping each otherIn Bela’s home, the family does many things together. Dadiji helps Bela by oiling and braiding her hair every morning before school while humming songs. Bela has learned many songs from her. Bela’s parents work together to manage household chores like cooking, cleaning, and shopping. 

Bela’s Dadaji loves gardening, and both Bela and Banku Bhaiya help their parents and grandparents with various tasks. Banku helps with cleaning and chopping vegetables, while Bela helps Dadaji in the garden.

Bela’s close friend Munni lives nearby with her mother, Kusum Mausi. Kusum Mausi is a wonderful cook who makes delicious sweets and special dishes during festivals. She and Munni always join Bela’s family in their celebrations. Munni is very good at making rangoli using colors made from dried flowers and leaves. Bela loves helping her with the rangoli. 

Try yourself:

Which family member helps Bela by oiling and braiding her hair every morning before school?

  • A.Dadiji
  • B.Banku Bhaiya
  • C.Dadaji
  • D.Munni

View Solution

Fun with Family and FriendsOne holiday, Bela’s family went to the park with Dadaji. Their friends Niku, Rinki, Rohit, Ronnie, and Tara were playing pitthoo. Bela and her family joined in, making two teams. 

Dadaji brought a ball and scattered the stones, and they raced to stack them again. Rohit, Niku, and Ronnie tried to hit them with the ball to make them lose. After a while, they got tired, Dadaji suggested we take a break, and after 20 minutes, he bought us some ice cream. It began to get dark, and they went home after a fun-filled day of playing, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company.

Points to Remember

  • Family Bonds: Shows the importance of sharing time with families.
  • Respect for Animals: Promotes kindness and care towards pets.
  • Enjoying Nature: Encourages outdoor play and gardening.
  • Caring for Plants: Teaches the value of growing and caring for plants.
  • Festivals and Traditions:  Explains the importance of celebrating traditions.
  • Learning through Play: Explains the role of games in socializing.
  • Rain and Weather: Shows how weather affects daily life and how families adapt to it.

Difficult Words

  • Chhupan-chhupai: A traditional Indian hide-and-seek game.
  • Peek-a-boo: A game of hiding and revealing to entertain children.
  • Relatives: Family members like cousins, aunts, and uncles.
  • Antakshari: A singing game where players sing songs in turns.
  • Pakodas: A fried Indian snack made from vegetables.
  • Rangoli: Decorative floor patterns made with colored powders.
  • Puddles: Small pools of water, usually from rain.
  • Scattered: Spread out over a large area.