The village environment means a kind of tranquility, open fields, the chirping of birds, and the sincerity of the people. And if a little child's birthday happens in such a peaceful and lively place, then that joy increases several times. This time, I had the opportunity to go home for the holidays and participate in my little niece's birthday — and that experience still has a soft light in my mind.

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Preparations started the day before

My niece's name is Raisa. She is only 5 years old. She had said on the phone earlier, "Mama, will you bring a cake for my birthday!" I kept my word. I returned home from the city with a pink princess cake.

The atmosphere of the birthday has been in the house since the day before. Mother was cooking paise on the earthen stove, aunts were arranging to make luchi and halwa. Small colorful paper fringes were being hung in the yard. All the children from the neighboring houses were present, some were arranging chairs, some were inflating balloons. Everything seemed completely natural, full of pure joy.

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Birthday morning — under the open sky

As soon as I woke up in the morning, I heard Raisa dressed in a red and white frock. A new ribbon in her hair, a small necklace around her neck. There was a kind of excitement, curiosity on her face — as if the whole world was for her today!

Our village yard is quite large. Chairs and tables have been spread out under a big tree. People start coming and going around noon. Neighbors are bringing fruits and small gifts. Some have brought sets of utensils, some clothes. A glimmer of happiness shines on Raisa's eyes and face. She hands out sweets to everyone, and sometimes a shy smile blooms on her lips.

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Cake cutting and joyful moments

Preparations for cutting the cake begin in the afternoon. Candles, balloons, and colorful paper flowers are placed around the cake. Hasan Bhai from the next door started playing the guitar — “Happy Birthday to You…”

Raisa cut the cake, blew out the candles, and the yard was filled with applause and shouts. I put a piece of cake in her mouth myself. She laughed, giggling. That smile seemed to fill the entire village sky.

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A storm of games and laughter

After cutting the cake, the games began — playing pillows, blindfolded pitcher search, balloon popping competition. The children were running around, the adults were laughing, some were taking pictures on their mobile phones to keep the memories. On one side, the aunts were chatting over cups of tea, and on the other side, the grandfathers were playing cards.

Raisa, of course, was busy playing — there was excitement in her eyes, no fatigue. Once she came and said, “Mama, I feel so good!” — this one word of hers seemed to wash away all the pain and fatigue.

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An emotional end to the evening

As dusk fell, the lights hung in the yard came on. The whole place was illuminated with colorful lights. The birds were returning home, and the fringes and balloons were swaying in the light breeze.

Finally, we all sat down and ate — luchi, potato stew, payas, and hot tea. Mom said, “We used to have birthdays like this together, all of us brothers and sisters, when your uncles were young.” One moment passed by another as if holding hands.

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Conclusion

The glittering birthday parties in the city may dazzle the eyes, but the sincerity, unity, and pure love that are present in simple birthdays in the village cannot be found in any elegant arrangement. My niece Raisa’s birthday is not just hers — it is an experience, a joyful day for all of us. Such days are etched in the mind — on a soft canvas of sunshine, light, happiness, and love.

Truly, a birthday in the village means a little pure joy in the lap of nature. 💛🌿🎂