The enchanting winters in the hills

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The enchanting winters in the hills

After fresh snowfall the mountainsides are covered with snow

As I had described in my previous blog regarding the monsoon season in the hills and that I have had the opportunity to experience all the seasons in the hills of the sub-Himalayan regions.  As monsoon has an overall soothing affect overall, albeit the incidents of cloud burst here and there, which is rather an exception than being a rule.  The winters, with its snowfall, brings in a sense of serenity into the hills.  The winters are harsh and most difficult period of the year for those residing in the hills.  Whereas, the autumn season that is the transitional phase, between monsoons and winters, heralds in a pleasant season in the plains, as the heat subsides gradually, on the other hand the same transitional phase ushers in the winters in the hills.  Starting with end September, as the monsoon retreats, it brings in snowfall in the higher reaches and the gradual drop in temperatures.  During earlier times, by the end of October, heavy woollens were out and if the weather remained inclement, even fireplaces or angithis (a Hindi word meaning - a traditional brazier) were lit in the houses.  Winters being harsh for persons living in the hills & mountains, as it is a period when there is no local commodities are available and at times not even accessible.  Everything has to be stored up for the harsh winter months and disruption of water (due to freezing of sources/pipes) supply and electricity (after snowstorms) are a common norm.  As the winters approach, the trees start shedding their leaves (in autumn) and the entire landscape appears as scorched brown.  However, after the snowfall, everything is covered under a blanket of white snow, providing for a surreal atmosphere that is a treat for the eyes of the occasional visitors from the plains below.  This snowfall is essential for the stone fruits like peaches and plums etc. and almost like a manure for their plentiful yield in the summers.  Here are some poignant and embellishing photographs displaying the many moods of winters in the hills -

After the fall season, the hills attain a burnt brownish hue

After fresh snow in Kasauli (Himachal Pradesh) in 1950's (photograph shot by my father Late J.N. Roy Biswas)

Photograph of 1980's of the same spot (scanned image*)

Photograph of 1980's of Kasauli bus stand (scanned image*)

Photograph of 1980's of Kasauli Church (scanned image*)

Getting some warmth from the blaze

The road less traveled in the winters

It is snowing up there

The tree tops covered after fresh bout of snow

Even birds face difficulty in foraging for food during winters

It gets treacherous even to climb moderate slopes after the snowfall

The first to receive the snowfall are the higher reaches

Even vehicles slip in the snow, making movement difficult

Even foot roads get covered with slippery snow in winters, blocking one within his home

{(*Scanned image) - these photographs were purchased from the Shimla Studios in Kasauli by the author & copyrighted to avoid illegal further use.}

HERE IS REPRESENTATIVE VIDEO OF SNOWFALL IN THE HILLS -