Are you one of those people who is affected by the seasons? 

Does Winter make you gloomy and depressed? 

SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder is a syndrome that affects many people during Winter. It makes them depressed and lethargic because of the short days and insufficient daylight.

I remember feeling extremely sad and out of sorts during my winter stay in New Jersey. The Scandinavians have a word for fighting the Winter Blues: HYGGE which translates as coziness. Actually, this is an attitude they live by all year round, but it is particularly applicable in the winter when scented candles, exotic teas, warm blankets and crackling fires create an atmosphere of warmth while the pretty snowflakes fill up the darkness outside. Sadly none of this could shake off the mild depression that had gripped my mind. Recently I experienced this in a mild form during my recent trip to the North East when the darkness would suddenly descend at 5.30 pm. Within seconds I could feel my energy drop and a sadness grip my heart.

Could it be because of the mental trauma of the last few months of CoVid?

But today, back in Mumbai, even though it’s Winter, I’m not sad.

And here are the reasons why :

The weather in Mumbai is only marginally cooler than normal. So while the rest of the world where winter is real, my Seasonal Affective Disorder is not one that leaves me sad. On the contrary,

Winter in Mumbai actually makes me glad.

I am glad because the flamingoes are back.

Did you know that these birds visit Mumbai every Winter? You can see them at the Sewri Flats.

This is also the season when the migratory seagulls normally stop by Mumbai on their way to Siberia. At one time you could see them lined up in the Marine Drive sea face mid-morning or even flapping around the Gateway or Chowpatty Beach waiting for scraps of food to come their way. Sadly this year we will miss them with the construction work on the Coastal Road in progress.

I wonder if they will ever return to Mumbai considering that most of them were hooked on to the ‘gathia’ fed to them by the local populace.

Winter Wardrobe

When I see the Tibetan Sweater sellers, down at Nana’s Chowk, I know it’s time to bring out my Winter wardrobe. I can hardly wait to bring down all those gorgeous scarves and shawls waiting in my cupboard.

Nor can I stop myself from airing out my silks.

Winter veggies

My favourite shopping destination Bhaji Gulley is full of tempting seasonal greens like green garlic, and mustard leaves. It’s also time for vegetables like kohlrabi, green peas and beets to find their way to my table.

And as for fruit: there are tonnes to choose from. You can grab a juicy orange or two or a basket of fat, strawberries. This is also the time for the sweetest melons, chickoo and grapes.

Winter Rendezvous

Winter is the time when overseas visitors come home. Their brief visits mean hectic socialisation which translates into party time with friends and family. This year, however, things promise to be different because of …………you guessed right CoVid

So I am glad for the Winter
because my life is full
With cups of hot tea
And fresh juicy oranges.
Naps in the sun
Cuddles under blankets
Hazy, chilled mornings.
And stiff evening breezes.

Are you glad it’s Winter?

What do you do to make yourself happier during these short days.?

Ciao

Ciao