Late autumn (hemanta)
The fourth season, covers Kartik and Agrahayan (mid-October to
mid-December). Actually it is a transitional phase between autumn and
winter. By mid-November the evenings grow cool. The contrast between the
daytime and nighttime temperatures results in heavy dew. This is also
the time for colds, cough and fever. In this season farmers are very
busy with harvesting paddy and celebrate navana with the new rice crop.
Once
the land has emerged from its watery grave, it is
time to replant in new, fertile soil that is rich
in nutrients. During this season, the land is at
its luscious best. Festivals flourish to hail the
harvest, the end of the floods, the coming of the
new soil and the wonder of the rivers. The country’s
troubadours are everywhere, dressed in bright clothes
and singing for money. The land and its people come
to life during hemanto, when the flowers bloom –
jasmine, water lily, rose, magnolia, hibiscus and
bougainvillea. By the season’s end, the air
is no longer humid. Fresh scents replace the dry
jute smell. Hemanto marks the start of the wedding
season where receptions are held under red, blue,
green or white tents.
No comments:
Post a Comment