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The
enchanting winters in the hills
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| 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 -
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| After the fall season, the hills attain a burnt brownish hue |
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| After fresh snow in Kasauli (Himachal Pradesh) in 1950's (photograph shot by my father Late J.N. Roy Biswas) |
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| Photograph of 1980's of the same spot (scanned image*) |
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| Photograph of 1980's of Kasauli bus stand (scanned image*) |
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| Photograph of 1980's of Kasauli Church (scanned image*) |
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| Getting some warmth from the blaze |
