Filled with pride: Aravind T. has been running a carousel horse on the Marina Beach. He says carousel horses attract photo shoots of all kinds, from casual to pre-wedding shoots.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Amid searing summer temperatures and schools closed for vacation, families have been making their way to Chennai’s shoreline.
As you stroll along the sand, you will spot eager children queuing up in smaller lines to hop onto the carousel horses that go round and round. The men operating the carousel horses say that despite the sweat and strain, summers bring them the most joy.
Flexible hours
Aravind T., a BCA graduate, has been running one of the carousel horses on the beach. He operates it daily from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. “This job is my own business. Though it is just by the beachside, it gives me flexible hours. I manage everything on my own from the groundwork,” he says.
He beams with pride when talking about his carousel horses, especially since his carousel had its moment in the limelight, during the IPL final in 2024 in Chennai. “Captains Shreyas Iyer and Pat Cummins posed with the IPL trophy right here on the Marina Beach ahead of the final match. Out of all the scenic spots, my carousel made the cut as one of the backdrops for their photo-shoot,” says Mr. Aravind.
He fondly recalls how he had the stroke of luck to see the IPL trophy itself because of his carousel. “Now, carousel horses in general attract photo shoots of all kinds, from casual to pre-wedding shoots,” he adds with a grin, explaining how this has become a motif, in the context of Chennai’s summer favourites.
Muthu P., who was working on another carousel’s engine further down, shares similar sentiments about his work during the summer. “During the weekends and the summer, we will never slow down,” says Mr. Muthu. “But the moment the rain begins, we pack everything up, tie it down tight, and go looking for other work to make ends meet,” he adds.
An artiste too
His carousel horses have been brought from Vellore, and he has repainted them, referring to himself as an artiste too. “These carousel horses come to us as wooden, plain toys. We paint them in bright yellows and reds and make them look cheerful and exciting for children.”
The carousel, fondly known as ‘Kuthirai Raatinam’ by children and those who run it, is not always a smooth ride. It has its fair share of ups and downs beyond the weather. “If there are 10 children getting on the ride, we have to keep our eyes peeled to make sure no one slips or stumbles. That does not happen often, but we should be careful,” says Mr. Muthu.
An adventure for all
“Only when there is a huge crowd, despite after all our pre-checks, the carousel sometimes stops working. And when that happens, the evening goes down the drain,” adds Mr. Aravind. Around 20 rounds make up each ride, and it is not only the little ones but also the adults who hop on for a ride. A summer adventure for all, indeed.
Published – April 22, 2025 11:07 pm IST