Season of Joy

Its that time of the year again! A chill in the air, tiny days, looooong nights, snuggling under quilts, soaking up the sun. Snacking on peanuts and walnuts, going for long walks and picnics, enjoying the outdoors, all are part of the winter package.

I love winter, if it can be called winter in this part of the world. Though we don't have the bite in the cold, we still enjoy relief from the summer swelter and the sticky monsoons. The winter days are gloriously sunny and crisp. Nights are deliciously nippy, perfect for woolens and blankets. One feels energetic and optimistic throughout the day. 

To add to that general feel-good  atmosphere, veggies and fruits abound in the market, making it a foodie's paradise too. And the delicious taste of "nolen gur" or palm jaggery which takes us to an epicure's heaven. Ah! The heavenly taste and flavour of nolen gur sweets at this time! Also phulkopir shingara, vegetable chop and koraishutir kochuri! The most fabulous snacks which signify winter in Bengal. And pithe-puli (sweet pancakes) and payesh (pudding), characteristic of Sankranti! One can really gorge on winter delicacies without bothering about stomach upsets or digestion problems.

In my city, Kolkata, we have the added attraction of fairs and "melas" supplementing the winter cheer. Handicrafts fairs, and the famous Book Fair are held in Dec-Jan. Truly these two months are the ones in which one feels good to be in Kolkata!