It's the autumn season here in Delhi and the city is looking
absolutely inviting at this time of the year. The tree lined boulevards in
Lutyen's area which are unique to Delhi (vis a vis other metros) are looking
glorious. Delhi's extended date with the monsoons has washed the trees of all
their dust and they are looking very resplendent and lush green. So are the
flowers, blooming at the roundabouts in Central Delhi.
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| Lutyen's tree lined avenue |
There is a slight nip in the air ... enough to feel the urge to switch off
the fan at night but yet not cold enough for a blanket. After the intense
summer heat and the cloying humidity of the rainy season, the weather has
changed to a subdued coolness which you want to make the most of before the
dreary winter months set in. Fall is the best time to enjoy the city when the days are cool and crisp.
Since Dusshera there has been an ongoing scene of festivities. It's party time
till Diwali and moreover it’s great fun to visit the neighboring CP (Connaught
Place) and Khan Market and be a part of the hustle bustle and gaze at brightly lit shops which will
be a feature till New Year's.
With winters round the corner, at least for a few months, one can
safely say goodbye to the monotonous gym and be out in open spaces savoring
some crisp fresh morning air. Now is the time to put on your sneakers, for
a walk or maybe a run in the green environs of Lodhi Gardens in the heart of
Delhi. And if you are a true blue Delhiite you are sure to run into one of your
school or college friends here and can catch up on your good old days. Of
late even my evening walk has become something to look forward too; more people
frequent the park now. Even our neighboring Bengali Market is all decked up and its
good fun to sit in Triveni's terrace garden and linger over coffee.
The daily newspapers are filled with the numerous exhibitions on in the
city ... a sale in Aga Khan hall, another textile fair at Chinmaya Mission and
numerous fairs and sales. Of course who can forget the Dilli Haat Diwali Mela
where it’s a never ending jamboree and it becomes quite a task trying to juggle
all of these outings in one weekend. There is the urge to soak in all the sights and sounds and you realize it’s a typical touristy habit - trying to squeeze in as
much as possible. There are so many events to catch up on, in this happening city-
a cultural evening in Nehru Park or maybe a play at IHC. There is something to
suit everyone's liking. An annual event around Diwali time is the Blind school
Diwali mela which is a popular draw for the variety of things,
particularly the 'zara hatke'(unusual) ethnic gifts on sale here and also for
their beautiful candles and earthen diyas which are a huge sellout during
festival time. The Dastkar Nature Bazaar at Kisan Haat, is also well known for
its handmade artisanal stuff.
Winters are all about soaking in the sun and in Delhi's oldest
Club- Gymkhana you can enjoy a nice lunch in the lawns outside and though the
food is nothing to write reams about but it's easy on the wallet and savoring your meal in the light sun and eating alfresco can indeed be
blissful. It's a good place to go with family and friends to spend a lazy
afternoon - the catch is it’s for members only. But despair not; there are
plenty of other places for a Sunday brunch like Lodi, the Garden Restaurant besides Lodhi Gardens. Beautiful surroundings, maybe a tad expensive but the ambience is
great and relaxing. From there one gets to view the wide expanse of the Lodhi gardens
and the realization dawns on you that, thankfully Delhi still has these pockets
of oasis. Again you could drive down to Neemrana Fort Palace for a royal repast ... just an
hours' drive from the capital and you hit the groups' flagship hotel ... great
for a weekend.
We are enjoying winter vegetables like radish and cauliflower and
soon the local market will be flooded with all types of greens which can be
turned into a delectable 'saag' tempered with dollops of butter. This is
also the perfect time to gorge on some typical North Indian gastronomic
delights like 'makki and bajre
ki roti' with tall glasses of
freshly churned buttermilk, best enjoyed in the winter months.
Though Connaught Place is always buzzing with activity but these
days it looks particularly invigorated and energized. It takes on a different
hue with a lot of events being performed in its Central Park and the whole area
comes alive. It’s great fun strolling down the Inner Circle and watching people
basking in the wintry sun and gorging on some hot 'sweet potato chaat'- a
winter offering and a street food unique to these parts.
And if you are in town do drop by to say Hello! - I would have you
suffer my home prepared 'gajar ka halwa' (carrot halwa) ... dunno despair you would not be disappointed.
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