Vasant and Holi in quick Succession in Delhi

The prolonged winter over Delhi delayed the arrival of Vasant and the peak flowering of winter annuals, which normally happens around mid- February.It was not only a very busy wedding season in Delhi,but also the time best time of the year for garden lunches hosted by those fortunate few who live in ground floor homes with a compound. We enjoyed many such lunches in February, and also lots of wedding receptions.Not anticipating the very cold wind which continues to blow over Delhi at night even now, many of these receptions held in the open were a rather chilling experience! Conservative Hindu families also adhere to the tradition of serving only vegetarian food and no alcohol at weddings, which makes them really painful for guys like me who have very low tolerance of cold weather.Why not exempt senior citizens from attending wedding dinner receptions held in the open during the winter months? Asking to be excused is an option, but not all hosts shall forgive your absence from an important happy event in their family.
I have in my past blogs too pleaded for making weddings in North India more simple.There is need for a serious debate on this.But extravagance and vulgar display of wealth at such occasions, alas continues unabated.The "Big Fat Indian Weddings" are a boost to business and economy, I am told.But why can't we cut on the guest list to include only family and close friends and serve more tasty, less greasy and fewer items of just one cuisine, instead of the multi- cuisine extravaganza one comes across at such events?
The prolonged Delhi winter this year has led to an overlap of Vasant and Holi,which is just one week away now(March 8).Though not my favourite festival, Holi does bring back happy memories of Holis gone by.During my childhood,our home was filled for days together with the aroma of frying Gujiyas filled with both Khoya and Mewa (for the family) and Sooji and sugar (for the servants); Samosas stuffed with Mutton Keema and Aloo, Matar,Besan Sevs,Aloo and Besan Papads.We would start devouring these mouth watering delicacies made under Maa's close supervision for several days, as these were being taken out of the Kadhai.Not to forget the "Kanji Vadas" which took several days to ferment in "Matti ke Ghare".
On the day when Holi was played ( "Phagwari"), which followed "Holika Dahan" the previous evening , when it was burnt, the preparations began early inthe morning with "Tesu" flowers being boiled on open fire till the water was the correct yellow hue and several other vessels were filled with various coloured water - mainly Pink, and Purple. These water colours was the ammo for the youngsters to fill their " Pichkaris" (all made of brass and not plastic) to spray at the visitors mainly neghbours and close friends.Our white Malmal Topis were also colored in Tesu."Thalis" were prepared to greet guests with all kinds of savouries including Gujiyas, "Abeer and Gulal" mixed with "Mogra" and "Khus" "Itars".all traditionally wore white or light coloured clothes on which the colours stood out.Thandai ( both with and without Bhang) was made by grinding mixtures of Badam, Kali Mirch and, Rose Petals etc., on "Sil Batta"."Tolis" of Holi revellers,carrying Dholaks and Majheeras, coloured from head to toe, went past our house singing and dancing on the streets.
What endears me to those distance memories of Holi in our cottage in Meerut was the spirit in which the festival was observed. The largely Christian and even Anglo- Indian neighbourhood participated in the revelries at our home quite happily and whole heartedly.The sight of Pitajee and Babba ( grandfather) affectionately hugging Nathi Lal and Prem Lal, our domestic helps and the latter touching their feet in reverance thereafter, filled our young hearts with true joy and pride!
In the evenings, another charming Holi custom inour family which is quickly evaporating was the "Devars" offering " Phagai' to their "Bhabhis"- the " Phagai" was the favourite drink of the Bhabhis which the Devars were obliged to provide.I recall Pitajee fondly relating how his Bhabhi would always demand Sherry from him as "Phagai".The " Chakha Chukhi" was when the men folk sat together to enjoy their drinks and the eldest lady, in our case " Bhabbi" ( grandmother)would ask all the married ladies to take a sip out of a glass of wine.Even those who totally abstained were made to dip their finger in the wine and touch it with their tongue, as a symbol of their participation in this ceremony. A hearty meal of Pooris, Kachauris,Dahi Vadaas and " Kaliya"( mutton curry)was the grand finale to the Holi festivities at our home.
I am posting a few photos of the Holi revelry at my Niece's home in Hauz Khas last year which brings out the joy and colours of the festival.also some photos I took at a lunch at the home of a friend in New Moti Bagh, Chanakyapuri on February 25,2012.His wife is an amazing gardener. I call her a gifted garden "jeweller"!Hope you enjoy viewing them.
Happy Vasant Ritu and Holi all rolled in to my one Blog.