Merrily we roll along!

MAN has always had a fascination with the wheel. That timeless symbol has revolutionised transport, machinery, and every aspect of our lives. Not surprisingly, it has become a strong cultural metaphorical symbol of the circle of life of time, of progress, and much much more. Not surprisingly, it has found its way into play in the form of the hoop; after all, play is merely a reflection of life and thinking.

- VINITA SIDHARTHA

Rolling a hoop by hand or with a stick is an incredible joy. The sense of achievement, when one can navigate the obstacles and still roll the hoop, is a truly wonderful feeling. While hoops have been made in many different ways, Indian children have, over the years, merely appropriated old cycle tyres to create a much-loved form of play.

In fact, this form of play has found representation in much of popular culture as well as folk tales. One folk tale from Rajasthan talks about a beautiful princess who was trapped in a palace tower. She used her golden hoop to roll through the streets and signal for help. The hoop caught the eye of a brave warrior who went to rescue the princess.