Bareilly gets its iconic Jhumka

Union labour minister Santosh Gangwar, at Parsa Khera zero-point roundabout on National Highway 24 has inaugurated the famous ‘Bareilly ka Jhumka’. The Jhumka weighs almost two quintals and suspended from a 20-feet high pole. This huge custom-made gold shiny ‘jhumka’ is made of brass.

The 20-feet high shiny yellow gold dangler with a brown emblem and a hook has a diameter of eight feet and was cast in brass in Moradabad, the city famous for the metal. It was designed by an artist from Gurugram. While BDA officials are unwilling to disclose the project cost, sources say Rs 60 lakh have been spent on giving shape to the project.

The city got its branding in 1966 thanks to that popular number ‘Jhumka gira re, Bareilly ke bazaar main’ sung by film star Sadhana in the movie ‘Mera Saya.’

Initially conceived in 1990, the project hit a roadblock because of the paucity of funds. But BDA vice-chairperson Divya Mittal found a way out. She discussed the project with some eminent citizens and the director of Bundelkhand College, Dr Keshav Aggarwal readily agreed to bankroll the idea from Corporate Social Responsibility fund.

The plan also includes putting up three surma (kohl) bottles surrounding the main structure at the roundabout. Surma bottles would be kept on the parapet walls and would be floodlit.