Tonga ride…ٹانگہ

Tonga or horse taxi was a common sight in Lahore. It is fast receding in history replaced by motorcycle rickshaw. The front-back seated tonga is driven by a single horse who is blinded by coverings to the side of eyes. Probably, this helps in fewer distractions and straight run to the destination. A good horse gets nice decorations to her head and is quite colorful at times. When she runs on the road, a rhythm of clip-clap gives her its signature tune. On sunny days or winter evenings, this approaching clip-clap is a forerunner that someone is coming. It is a fair bit of trick to mount a tonga. If you are new, it is likely that you will miss the foot paddle. In such a case, you will need the hand of the taxi driver or کوچوان to board the slippery seat in the front or back. The seat also houses the fodder for the horse which she eats along with her mouth clamps. Some tongas have oil lamps لال ٹین in their sides, which glow faintly giving enough to point their direction. When the tonga runs, it oscillates back and forward and you can hear the leather squeezing. The rider needs to balance his or her weight with these movements. If you are well acquainted with tonga ride, it is not un-common to fall in sleep with such sideways and up-down movements. Given its giant wheel size, the tonga is undisputed champion of roads and streets during heavy rain fall. On such a day, it is in great demand. Though, I have never chased girls but I have heard that the tongas which transport girls to high school and college are safely escorted by dutiful cyclists right to their doorstep.

The کوچوان (taxi driver) is a character. He is dressed in loincloth دھوتی ,  a loose shirt کرتا and wears a narrow head cloth پٹکا. You can see a half smoked cigarette perched over his ear or a coin stuffed inside. When the tonga is overloaded, he takes a seat on the foot paddle or the bamboo bar. On the way, he makes distinct sounds (which only he and the horse understand), yells obscenities and occasionally whips the horse. The tonga does not have brakes, therefore, the کوچوان (taxi driver) keeps the path clear by warning the other pedestrians and motorist in advance. باو جی دیکھنا ۔۔صاحب جی بچنا (watch out sir) are common phrases heard from him. In case you are sitting in front, it is likely that you will witness the horseshit and will get a feel of the swing and thickness of pony tail. Since, horse is king of the road, therefore, she has a superior right to shit on roads at her sweet will, any where and at any time. It is, therefore, not advisable to sit or stand near a horse. Finally, when you reach destination, the tonga comes to a graceful stop. The rider exits, tonga swoops upward and the horse gets away.