Children enjoy a joy ride at the fair in Patna on Sunday. Picture by Ranjeet Kumar Dey

Patna, Feb. 20: Fifty nine-year-old Salman Khan is one of the busiest men at the annual urs (fair) beside Patna High Court.

Making sure that queues are maintained for the joyrides at the fair, ensuring that all rides are working smoothly and their occupants are safe is not an easy task, especially when thousands flock to the fair. But Salman does not complain. This has been his life for the past several decades.

“These rides give pleasure to children and adults alike. I love to be the man responsible for all this,” said Salman. He is a member of the 30-member troupe of Pankaj Jhoola Company that puts up four joyrides at the Urs every year.

“We have been coming here for last several years. Food and joyrides are the biggest attractions at any fair. Children and adults come here from every part of the state and flock for these rides. It is just the first day. We are already having a tough time managing the crowd,” said Salman.

A mini version of the giant wheel, merry-go-round, well of death — where bikers perform daredevil stunts inside a well-shaped vessel — and a toy train are the joyrides on offer.

“I just love these rides. I came with my mother to pray at the mazaar on the condition that I am allowed to enjoy all the rides,” said Phulwarisharif resident Arshad (13).