Winter warmth helps keep chill at bay
The recent showers have ushered in the winter chill with the mercury dipping considerably and the city preferring to drape itself in a cosy layer of warmth to ward off the chill.
Long, heavy coats and gumboots have made a comeback, and for the young, they are a fashion statement. Piles of dried logs line the streets, waiting to be lit into bonfires that will warm the hands and hearts of those that gather around them.
For those who can’t afford the luxury of staying indoors, the intense cold has added to their daily struggle. Shawls, mufflers and monkey caps are their armour against the chilly wind. Daily wage earners, such as rickshaw pullers, vegetable sellers and manual workers, brave the cold without respite. A roadside bonfire, lit early in the day, turns out to be a blessing for workers, offering warmth and comfort for those out in the rigour of the early morning cold.
In the old city areas, common bonfires in localities have become a heartwarming sight. The cold wave, however, has failed to dampen the spirit of pilgrims, who take a dip in the icy waters of the holy sarovar at Darbar Sahib every morning. The hazy fog adds a mystical layer to the spiritual experience, making it even more surreal.
The hosiery traders are rejoicing, as the sale of warm clothing has skyrocketed. Special weekly bazaars have sprung up alongside roads, offering a colourful array of winter clothes. Farmers, too, are taking advantage of the cold weather, using irrigation to help their saplings fight the effects of frost.
On a sunny Sunday as it followed two days of cloudy and rainy weather, parks and grounds were filled with people basking in the sunshine, a luxury not many can afford in these fast-paced times. As the city snuggles under the winter warmth, it’s clear that the season has brought more than just cold weather – it has brought comfort and a sense of togetherness in the community.
