Arjun Munda flanked by RK Anand and Sudesh Mahto in Ranchi on Wednesday. Picture by Hardeep Singh

Ranchi, Feb. 2: Chhaua had a ride fit for a king round the city.

Escorted by chief minister Arjun Munda and an entourage of dignitaries, two horse-drawn chariots, six mobile vans, 2,000 schoolchildren and 145 folk performing artistes, cut-outs of the 34th National Games mascot held by schoolchildren on chariots grabbed the maximum eyeballs.

But it was a close contest, as the 2km walk — starting from Sainik Market, going to Firayalal Chowk and culminating at Jaipal Singh Stadium — was full of pomp and pageantry. Titled “Walk for pride with stride - 34th National Games”, it had ministers, students waving colourful flags, decorated chariots and banners, and live folk dances and music. Dances such as Kalsa, Paika and Manbhum Chhau performed by gaily-attired performers, complete with tribal jewellery, brought passers-by to a smiling halt.

In fact, smiles were plentiful, as the chief minister and his deputy Sudesh Mahto, sports secretary Sukhdev Singh, state human resource department secretary Mridula Sinha, primary education department director D.K. Saxena, agriculture secretary A.K. Singh and Jharkhand Olympic Association chairman R.K. Anand were in a good mood.

They had good reason, going by the mood of the children following them. Students of MMK Middle School, Marwari Boys’ High School, LEBB High School and Gossner High School, waving red, blue, yellow, red and pink flags, were elated. “We are really thrilled to walk for the Games,” said Shubham Prasad, an eight grader of LEBB High School.

Mobile vans with messages such as “Extend our best hospitality to the guests from across the nation”, added to the festivity.

For Munda, holding the Games — postponed six times since November 2007 — is something of a personal agenda. The festivity that marked the walk must have been reassuring for the chief minister. Appreciating the interest of children to be a part of the Games walk, Munda, in his address on Sainik Market premises, said: “This (the walk) gives encouragement to the people of the state who are ready to welcome players and guests. This walk is the first step towards the Games. With this event, youth and people of the state are gearing up to create a new history.”

He also did not stint on praise, thanking department officials and National Games Organising Committee members for readying the event on schedule.

Deputy chief minister Sudesh Mahto said he was “elated”. “Our involvement in this prestigious event is total. We will make it a great and successful event,” he said.

The Jharkhand Olympic Association chairman skirted past controversies and stressed on symbolism. “This walk is a symbolic gesture signifying everyone’s participation,” Anand said.