DT
PT
Subscribe To Print Edition About The Tribune Code Of Ethics Download App Advertise with us Classifieds
search-icon-img
search-icon-img
Advertisement

Sweet memories  of savoured mangoes at Pinjore Gardens

Tribuneindia.com invites contributions to SHAHARNAMA. Share anecdotes, unforgettable incidents, impressionable moments that define your cities, neighbourhoods, what the city stands for, what makes its people who they are. Send your contributions in English, not exceeding 150 words, to shaharnama@tribunemail.com Do include your social media handles (X/ Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)
  • fb
  • twitter
  • whatsapp
  • whatsapp
featured-img featured-img
Illustration: Sandeep Joshi
Advertisement

I grew up in Kalka where family outings and school picnics almost always meant a visit to the iconic Pinjore Gardens —there simply wasn’t a more charming spot nearby.

Advertisement

Also known as Yadavindra Gardens, the 17th-century Mughal marvel was originally built by architect Nawab Fidai Khan, foster brother of Emperor Aurangzeb. Later, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh of Patiala restored it to its present glory. One sunny afternoon at the Pinjore Gardens, we spread our bedsheets under a huge mango tree for lunch. Suddenly, a ripe mango fell down right between the two families picnicking under the large tree.

A caretaker, hearing the thud, came searching — clearly used to such ‘mango mishaps’. But we, too, slyly rolled the mango into our sheet and waited for him to pass. When the caretaker went away disappointed, that mango, which wasn’t stolen, was savoured — with laughter. Decades later that mango’s sweet memories, like its taste, cost nothing but mean everything.

Advertisement

GP Singh Sandhu, Mohali

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
tlbr_img1 Classifieds tlbr_img2 Videos tlbr_img3 Premium tlbr_img4 E-Paper tlbr_img5 Shorts