Come December and my thoughts turn to winter vacations and to Delhi. People are always startled by our choice of city- why leave Bangalore and go to Delhi in December??
But Delhi is always Delhi - crisp winter mornings, sometimes foggy, sometimes clear with golden winter sunshine that one soaks up whenever one has a chance.
The Delhi of music - where Nayan and I learn to our heart's content and, sometimes get to hear a concert or two. Delhi brims over with music and dance in December.
The Delhi of Humayun's Tomb, walks in Lodhi gardens, strolls down little lanes - trying to choose uncrowded byways like Sundernagar where we can drop in to buy some Darjeeling tea and fresh spices.
The Delhi of winter feasts - deep red gajar (carrot) ka halwa, crisp pakodas, winter greens, fresh fish and shellfish, roasted sweet potatoes and more. Never do the naans and kebabs taste better than in December.
December is also a time of reunions - when old friends travel back home and get in touch. Of sending cards and wishes to all those we know and catching up on their news. Of savouring sunsets and awaiting sunrises.
The Delhi of ancient monuments and memories- where old compositions like dhrupad spring naturally to mind. My son sings one such composition (set to raga bhoopali) in his music class and we wonder at the words - tu hi surya, tu hi chandra, tu hi pavana, tu hi agana (addressed to the energy that is everywhere- "you are each of the elements in my life - the sun, the moon, the wind, water and fire"). Its profound beauty and wisdom always moves me. My son, Nayan, requests the music teacher to join him as he sings and together the notes resound - a beautiful way to usher in a new year. Nayan asks why we address this energy as 'tu' (a term meant for our equals or those younger than us), why not use aap, which is the respectful or more formal word for 'you'? The music teacher explains that it is because of familiarity. The energy or spirit of the world is so close to us that we don't need to use words that keep it far apart from us. This is a recording of the song that was sung- Dhrupad
I realise then that we are singing, in a sense, for ourselves. And my heart fills with a burst of joy at this reminder. All aspects of nature and life that I love, are, in essence, a part of me. My new year resolution takes shape at this moment. I hope that I remain connected to this energy and that I allow it to lead me forward to fulfilling new experiences in the coming year.
I wish all my readers and their families a wonderful year ahead!
