Mysuru, Oct. 13 -- Colourful masks, balloons and loud whistles up for grabs

With Dasara festivities beginning, families from nomadic communities in Madhya Pradesh have arrived in Mysuru to sell toys and other items that attract children during the festival.

These families travel from one town to another during major fairs and festivals, making a living by selling toys. They set up stalls on streets and at junctions across the city, offering balloons, colourful masks, whistles, binoculars, toy guns, helicopters, cars, buses and other playthings. Bats, balls, drums and cotton candy are also among the items on sale.

For many children, buying toys is an inseparable part of the Dasara experience. With lakhs of visitors expected to visit Mys...