Sunday 7 December 2014

Five reasons why I miss Delhi Winters

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..:)

8 comments:

  1. wow dear!!! wonderful post..yes only when we are out of delhi, do we miss delhi winters....

    My most favorite thing is delhi winters is lodhi garden (which is my fav thing no 1 anyways in delhi)....love picnicking there with family!

    www.myunfinishedlife.com

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    1. Wow Sush! Didn't know u too are a fan of Lodi Garden...know what, for the past few years M. Hubby n I used to be there every winter weekend morning. If only words could explain how much I miss Delhi, especially here in Mumbai!

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  2. i love love this post!!!
    lodhi garden is my no 1 favorite thin in delhi winters!!

    www.myunfinishedlife.com

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  3. Ah! Am a Delhiite ;) But abhi tak the winters have not started in Delhi this time :/

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  4. Yup...so missing thandi of north India...

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  5. Link your badges to the posts...I wanted to read the cranberry breezer...

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  6. You got them all bang on!
    Now waiting for some shaadi invitation to come in. Don't enjoy dressing up in the cold but LOVE hogging garam-garam snacks and dinner. :D

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Its great to share. Would love to have your valuable comments on my blog...:)