Dolled up

Today, keep the Xboxes aside and let your kids catch up with some real toys

If it wasn't for a Hungarian diplomat's small gesture it wouldn't have grown so big. Political cartoonist K Shankar Pillai's idea of collecting dolls from countries he visited resulted in the International Dolls Museum, which today houses dolls gifted by followers ranging from Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to his daughter Indira and grandson Rajeev Gandhi.u00a0



Not to forget visiting dignitaries like Madame Tito, Queen Frederika of Greece, the Queen of Thailand, the sister of Shah of Iran, the wives of Presidents of Mexico and Indonesia who also contributed and helped the museum grow.u00a0 Today is a perfect day to take out the kids and let them soak in our cultural heritage as dolls from various states will be on display at this Kids Fiesta.u00a0 Call it the need of our times but the exhibition had to happen in a mall where they'll be exposed to clothes, furniture, shoes and hi-tech toys.

But that does undermine the magic of spending time with these dolls a bit. Strut through the various collection of things on sale for kids, even buy some of them even if you believe your child requires them but focus your energies on the dolls.u00a0 Let them relieve those days when we didn't buy everything which had a price tag and enjoying the sights and moments were as important as stuffing your shopping bag. And yes, don't forget to remind them dolls are meant for sharing.

Kids Fiesta 2011
At Select Citywalk
Timings 12 noon to 11pm