Lambretta rides and ice-creams at 'Bhakre di nehar'

Nestling in the foothills of the Shivaliks and surrounded by water on three sides, Nangal, where I spent significant time in my growing-up years, is etched in my memory.

We moved around a lot as my father was in the Army, but we had a house in Nangal and we would spend all our vacations there.

From the old-world charm to the unique wooden Bhakra-Nangal train, the town had plenty to offer to visitors. Sectors and roads intersecting at right angles akin to Chandigarh also meant it was a town with planned features, making it quite easy to live in.

For someone who had family in town, there was even more to do. My cousins, who lived across the Nangal Dam, would sometimes cycle along the Sutlej for a family meet at the Chief’s restaurant. My father would take me there on his trusted blue Lambretta. We would savour ice cream served in chalice-like cups with an unmatched view of “Bhakre di nehar”. The Lambretta is long gone but the memories of those joyous rides and ice-creams along “Bhakre di nehar” still knock sometimes when I spot an ice-cream vendor.

Neelam Chandel, Chandigarh