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Comic relief: A day at the circus
It is heartening to see people of all ages come together and just enjoy a night out.
Mounting security concerns in recent years have meant fewer opportunities for citizens to leave their homes without fear and festivals that were once a part of Islamabad’s culture have been far and few for these reasons. A few winters ago, a traveling circus came to the capital, bringing with it some comic relief and affordable entertainment.
Here are the most memorable moments:
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A vendor lures customers to his gol-gappa stall at the Saanwan Mela.
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A young female acrobat is seen elevated in the air during an act.
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A girl watches in rapt attention as the circus performances commence.
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A lion parades lazily around a frail fenced structure for the safety of the enthralled audience during the final act.
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An unattended child plays with an empty soda bottle.
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Helpers form the backbone of the circus acts, providing the strength needed to hold flimsy props and ensure the safety of the acrobats.
![](https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/555992_10150995316158909_1389020779_n.jpg)
A boy is seen absolutely mesmerised watching an act during the circus performance.
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Acrobats are seen suspended from a rope in a brave act.
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A performer entertains the audience by playing with fire.
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A young girl lost in the performances searches for her parents during a break between acts.
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A little girl buys a fan to fight the monsoon heat.
![](https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/529095_10150995316638909_568183692_n.jpg)
A man sells cold soda to a parched crowd.
![](https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/246478_10150995316708909_436219365_n.jpg)
Young boys climb atop the fence for a better view of the performances.
![](https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/483910_10150995316843909_2029910674_n.jpg)
A father pacifies his child.
![](https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/206152_10150995316983909_684485148_n.jpg)
A young mother checks her phone while waiting with her children to buy tickets for a circus freak show.
![](https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/553079_10150995317118909_1648416189_n.jpg)
Gory masks from the movie ‘scream’ hang over a stall as people walk past.
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Children levitate on a trampoline at the Mela.
It is heartening to see people of all ages come together and just enjoy a night out. I hope Pakistan provides its people with many more opportunities to do so.
Read more by Myra here.
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