Winters are here! Ironically,
I ain’t feeling an inch of it sitting here in Mumbai. Its perhaps the first
time in 3 decades of my existence that I am sitting on December 7, 2014 with
fan on and no sweaters! In Delhi, I have always cribbed about winters,
preferring to snuggle in my velvet rajai than to wake up on a chilly morning;
the torture of taking that morning shower; it was the favourite season of maids
when they would cash on their worth. So, now, away from the winters why am I
missing the love hate relationship?
Here are my 5 reasons for
missing Dilli ki sardi
1. Weddings
Come
winters and wedding invitations start pouring in. If it’s a family wedding, it
makes for a double treat. Cousins gossiping overnight on the terrace while
munching on mungphalis and gazzak, and pre wedding bashes in huge lawns with
bonfires! We Dilliwallas like our weddings big, fat and truly dhinchaak! While
summers make it tough to carry heavy makeup and costume, winters make it all
easy. The style divas love to flaunt their deep cut and backless blouses
despite the chill. And for those, who
still feel the chill, a peg of Black Dog and dancing non stop does the trick.
2. Winter
brunches
Sunday
mornings become party time, with moms preparing yummy delicacies (sarson ka
saag, make ki roti, bajre ki khichdi, tikkas etc.) and the whole family
enjoying the fare on sunny mornings at the terrace. Food lovers also go gaga
over the winter brunches offered by the city hotels. I particularly miss the
winter brunch at the American Diner at India habitat Centre, Delhi.
3. Lodhi
garden
No
matter how much we run away from the suraj chachu in summers, winters do the
patch up act. Even the annoying dhoop becomes “Makhmali”. Being away from
Delhi, I can vouch there is no experience better than spending a winter morning
in Lodi Garden, the Central park of Dilli. Kids flock to the garden to enjoy their
favourite spot, while lovebirds leave no opportunity of getting cosy; on a
lucky day you might even spot a painter sitting on the grass depicting the
nature on canvas. Amateur photographers satiate their lenses with views of
various migratory birds, even local. Have often seen squirrels being bribed
with peanuts to strike a pose! How can we forget food here? Every Sunday, you
can spot umpteen brunch gatherings in the garden.
4. Winter
shopping and discounts
Weddings
and winter sales give Dilliwalas enough reasons to stuff their shopping carts.
With fests like the CP shopping festivals and the big spacious malls organizing
exclusive events, shopping becomes a joyful experience. And when the newspapers
announce the end of season sale, Dilliwallas flock to their favourite stores to
steal bargain on their long desired winter overcoats.
5. Barbeque
evenings
Fun,
food and friends sums up the idea of a perfect evening for any Dilliwalla.
Winters give just the perfect excuse, and Dilliwallas love to flaunt their
barbeque skills on evenings with ghazals and old pals!
It is said we realize the value
of something only when we are away from it. While I have been told winters will
show us a small trailer here in Mumbai, I am yearning to rush to my Dilli to
savour the magic of Dilli Ki Sardi!
What all do you love about Delhi
winters? I am all ears..:)
