By Vimal Kapoor
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” ~ Albert Camus
This year the rain gods were quite liberal as far as my green Doon Valley is concerned. October is here and the monsoons have finally departed after drenching all of us nice and proper. Already clear blue skies greet us for most of the day and the damp patches on walls have started diminishing. Here comes my favourite season of the year—‘autumn’!
As the heat of summer gives way to the cool, crisp air of autumn, Dehra transforms into a breathtaking kaleidoscope of colours and experiences. Autumn, often referred to as “Sharad Ritu” in Sanskrit, is a season that holds a special place in our hearts. With its pleasant climate, vibrant festivals, and bountiful harvests, autumn in India is a time of joy, celebration, and a deep connection with nature. Sandwiched between intense summer and chilly winter, autumn is the “cooling off” season. After months of whirring air conditioners, the beginning of autumn ushers in cooler breezes from the north that allows you to finally keep the windows open. Night-time arrives earlier, temperatures begin to drop, AC remotes are tucked away and gradually the whirling ceiling fans come to a standstill. During my morning jogs, I have noticed that light, colourful jackets have crept out of wardrobes and the morning sun seems balmy.
Already the gate lock is cold and slightly damp as I unlock it first thing after getting up. I do not know whether you feel the same way – for me fall and autumn somehow usher in the feeling of gratitude to the Almighty. After the intense heat of the summer and the ravages of monsoons when most of the folks lament—“Yeh baarish kab band hogi”, autumn comes as a huge relief. The mornings and evenings become refreshingly cool, making it the perfect time to venture outdoors. Whether you’re strolling through a park, taking a hike in the hills, or simply enjoying a cup of tea in your garden, the pleasant weather of autumn adds an extra layer of enjoyment to these simple pleasures.
Autumn is a magical season when a leafy landscape that has been green for months is suddenly splashed with yellow, orange, and red. While going towards the Clock Tower from Jakhan observe the brilliant pink hues on top of trees near NIEPVD. The burst of vibrant colour captures our attention and captivates our imagination. Philosophers and poets have long eulogized multi-coloured leaves. Yet, in theory, at least, there are multiple ways in which appreciating autumn’s changing leaves may change us for the better.
Autumn is a wonderful time of year for those who like to spend their evenings pulling on a cozy jacket in the evening, relaxing beside the simmering fire and the seething barbecue! And what better time to get outside and enjoy the array of vibrant colours on display, as we officially say goodbye to the monsoo. It is fantastic to see amazing flashes of colour; warm browns, rich oranges, and deep reds all around us at this time of year. Enjoy this spectacle of nature!
(Vimal Kapoor, a Dehradun resident, is passionate about literature, creative writing, cricket and exploration through travel)
