Faltering Onset of Summer Over Delhi

Hi There,

Since our return to Delhi, last week the weather has been playing tricks with hot and dry first have, followed by cloudy and wet last three days. The thunderstorm and heavy spells of rain on two consecutive nights has brought much relief to the city dwellers, but caused havoc to the ripened standing wheat crop over most of north India.

The damage to the standing crops by the unseasonal heavy rains have made the overall picture of vegetables and food grain prices even more grim. The Govt faces a serious challenge from the sharply rising inflation. The fact that nature is beyond the control of the Govt and the shortage of food grain and rising cost of crude oil is a worldwide phenomenon is unlikely to blunt the flak faced by the UPA Govt at the centre for the spiraling prices of essential commodities hitting the poorer sections of society the hardest.

There are umpteen suggestions by eminent economists and polticians every day on how to bring down the rising trend of prices. But none of these hold out any hope of an effective check on the spiral.

The drop in the mercury and rains have gladdened garden enthusiasts like me since it gives a fresh lease of life to the fast disappearing winter annual blooms. The Petunias seem to last the longest and even the the giant Dahlias and Sylvia's are still in bloom, although their peak is over.The two pictures posted on this blog of hybrid Petunias in a window box in my office ( grown from Gold Smith - US seeds germinated by me) and double Dahlias ( from seedlings from Calcutta in tiny earthen pots bought from Rajdhani Nursery in Jorbagh)in a bed at home, are proof of this unusual spectacle at this time of the year.

Gardeners all over Delhi are getting ready to plant the Portulacas, Zinnias , Cosmos, Gilardia, Sunflowers and Kochias, the only varieties known to survive the scorching heat of a Delhi summer which is round the corner.

The "Raat Ki Rani" tree in the front lawn at our home has started spreading its heady sweet aroma as the nights fall. The fragrant "Belas" on bushes are also beginning to bud and blossom. The glorious yellow "Amaltash" ( Laburnum or Casia Fistula) Gulmohur, Jacaranda and Bauhanias " Kachhnaar, Ticoma Argentinium. Tebubea Roseas,the other beautiful summer flowering variety of trees growing in abundance at round abouts and city parks all over Delhi will start spreading their magic from next month. For garden lovers the "Phoolon Ki Bahaar" never really leaves the capital city of Hindustan. But you must have the time and eye for them.

The Navaratras are due to begin tomorrow ( April 7)when the devout Hindus shall start observing their own version of fasting with only certain varieties of food- grains and vegetables are allowed to be eaten for nine days. This is fairly easy, as compared to the rigorous regime to be followed by the devout Muslims during the month long fasting in Ramzaan.Another significant contrast between Indians professing the two prominent faiths of the Sub- Continent is that while the vast majority of Muslims young and old, Sunnis and Shias strictly observe fasting during Ramzaan, only a hand full of Hindus living in the northern parts of the country observe the much more liberal fasting code prescribed for Navratras and other one day Hindu festivals.Any analysis or interpretaion of this sharp divergence??

There was very impressive gathering at the celebration over dinner hosted by our good friends the Mathurs to welcome their first grandchild with 90 % participation by guests, despite the torrential rains in the afternoon preceding the happy event. A reflection of the strong ties which bind families and friends in India -that was Hindustan and Bharat!

Jai Hind and God bless till next week