The enchanting spring in the hills

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The enchanting spring in the hills

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. 

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

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 –

Spring time bloom - Pear flowers

Spring time bloom - Plum  flowers

Spring time bloom - Pear flowers

Spring time bloom - Apricot  flowers

Spring time bloom -Apple  flowers

Spring time bloom - Pear flowers

Spring time bloom - Apple  flowers

Spring time bloom - flowers just beginning to bloom

Spring time bloom - Plum flowers

Spring time bloom - flowers shot in 1990's

Spring time bloom - Peach flowers - shot in 1990's