As the months pass by; the air, wind, flora and fauna in and around are in constant change. So is the mood of people.
The first lunar month in the Indian tradition is Chaitra Chet implying to remember, contemplate and awaken. It begins around mid-March and unveils the backdrop of the Spring season. The first day of each month, likewise in Chaitra, is called Sankranti — SAN meaning “in a positive way” and KRANTI implying “Change”. Hence Sankranti is the day of moving forward to next month. Chaitra is a period of awakening in nature. Increasing daylight and warmer temperatures cause plants to blossom.
Gardens exhibit a riot of colours with lovely flowers. Roots of plants revive, seeking nourishment from the earth. New green shoots reach for light. Trees grow new leaves. Snow begins to melt in the Himalayas and rivers start joyfully making their way to reach the Ocean, their ultimate destination. Spring also welcomes baby squirrels, ducklings, bunnies and fawns in natural forests.
The next in the lunar calendar is Vaisakh, around mid-April to mid-May. It is the month of harvesting crops. People dance amidst celebrations.
The following month is Jaishtha when the earth burns with heat. Living beings and humans look for cool places, some head for hill stations. In the scorching month of Ashadha that follows, various insects start vailing about in utter discomfort.
After the blazing heat of Ashadha comes the month of Savan bringing welcome rain and relief from extreme heat. Drops of rain shine on tree leaves under peeping sunshine.
The month of Bhadra gives a feeling of opulence or ADHIKTA. Land and rivers fill up with water. At night it rains cats and dogs. Lightning and thunder scare children while birds and animals feel invigorated. Peacocks and frogs cannot contain their joy. Babiha, the rain bird cries Peeoh Peeoo Mosquitoes are at their biting best!
The seventh month of Ashvin is named after the first star that appears in the evening sky. The last days of Ashvin mark the beginning of autumn, bringing stunning warm shades of yellow and orange to nature. Colourful falling leaves, cool weather and festive moods further accentuate Nature’s beauty.
In the eighth month of Kartik, the days start becoming shorter; lamps are lit earlier in the evenings. Festivities of Divali invariably fall in Kartik. In the month of Agrahin that follows the sap of the trees and in fields starts drying up. The hottest temperature is on the beaches of the South coast while the North is cooler.
In the month of Pausha, it snows in the Northern regions while it is wintery around the plains of North and Central India. Winter begins to recede in the month of Magh. People celebrate by lighting a bonfire on Lohri day this month.
In Falgun, human spirits are truly raptured and Holi is celebrated with gusto. Among the elite a new trend of playing holi with flower petals and minimal dry colours is emerging though some retain the traditional style of wet holi.
All months, seasons and days are good in their unique way. The morning breeze invariably carries with it the whispers of Nature reminding us to embrace the surrounding beauty. We are fortunate to be residents of lush green area and enjoy greenery. We have envious gardens in every park with the sidewalks showcasing seasonal flowers. Lately, this practice of timely sowing of colourful seasonal flowers has been revived. The lawns in all the parks are beautifully maintained. No matter where one lives, nature does give peace and happiness to ground us in fast paced life.
