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The
enchanting spring in the hills
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| The revered flower of the Kumaon hills - Rhododendron - a flower that is the symbol of spring |
As I had described in my previous
blog regarding the harsh winters, as a first-hand experience, having had the good
luck of experiencing all the seasons in the hills of the sub-Himalayan
regions. As the harsh winters withdraw
gradually, there is a feeling of deja-vu all around in the hills, as the life
stirs up afresh. The long closed roads
start opening up, coupled with the days getting more sunshine and warmth. However, the most spectacular dispensation is
the bursting forth of the still leafless stone fruit trees with flowers in
their thousands, painting the entire landscape in pinks, whites and all other
hues. It is a spectacle that is to be
seen in person to imbue its beauty and is known as ‘Cherry blossom’ all around
the world.
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| The cherry blossom season in Japan - courtesy National Geographic from internet |
A
festival associated with the heralding of spring season is held in the first
day of Chitra month, known as the ‘Phool dei festival’. There is something very fascinating and unique
about this festival of flowers that is held during the springtime. On this day,
young girls carry out most of the rituals and they are the most eager
participants. In some places though, this festival is like a carnival and the
celebrations go on throughout the month. Dei, a special ceremonial pudding made
of Jaggery (gur), white flour and curd is offered to everyone. During the festivity, the young girls pluck
the first flowers of the season. They not only scatter these flowers in front
of their own doorsteps but also at the doorsteps of the other villagers. It is
believed that these flowers are the indications of good luck. Little girls and boys go to every house in
their village with plates full of rice, jaggery, coconut, green leaves and assortment
of flowers that are aplenty during season. The girls place flowers, rice and jiggery at
the doorsteps of houses they visit, thereby putting forward their good wishes
for the prosperity of the household and are given blessings and presents like
sweets, fresh jiggery, rice and money in return. The girls shower
flowers and rice on the doorsteps while singing the following chant :
Phool
Dei, Chamma Dei
Deno
Dwar, Bhur Bhakar
Vo Dei
Sei Namashkar, Puje Dwar
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| Representative images of the festivities - taken from the internet |
Cultural
experts have linked this festival to that of Romans in which people used to
mark the festival of flowers in the name of their deity Flora. The celebration
of Phool Dei in the Kumaon region has been linked to the ancient Romans’
festival of flowers by Y.D. Vaishnav in his book on Uttarakhand’s
culture.
Here
is an attempt to bring to my readers (through photographic presentation) of the
spectacle the unfolds in the hills during the spring season –
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| Spring time bloom - Pear flowers |
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| Spring time bloom - Plum flowers |
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| Spring time bloom - Pear flowers |
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| Spring time bloom - Apricot flowers |
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| Spring time bloom -Apple flowers |
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| Spring time bloom - Pear flowers |
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| Spring time bloom - Apple flowers |
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| Spring time bloom - flowers just beginning to bloom |
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| Spring time bloom - Plum flowers |
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| Spring time bloom - flowers shot in 1990's |
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| Spring time bloom - Peach flowers - shot in 1990's |
