In South Bengal, summer brings scorching sun, hot winds called 'loo', and perspiring people. In the drought-prone small town of Bishnupur, Bankura district, West Bengal, mid-summer temperatures often hit 45°C.
Monthly Vacation in Ancestral Hamlet
Yet, during childhood, the month-long summer vacation from mid-May to mid-June was a time of solace. Every year, parents took children to the ancestral house in nearby Hatgram hamlet. Despite the heat, we looked forward to spending summer days in our small, green hamlet.
Our favourite haunt was a small forest patch adjacent to the village with many mango, jackfruit and jamun trees. A small pond nearby was perfect for hours of swimming.
Afternoons by the Brook and Kite Fights
Afternoons were spent near a little brook with knee-deep water. We would pick up pebbles or watch little fish in clear water, dangling our feet in the flowing stream. Sometimes there were kite flying contests with other village kids in open fields. We used a special preparation to sharpen our kite string to gain an edge over others.
Nights Under the Stars with Jackal Thrills
Nights were not less enchanting — lying with cousins on rope cots in the open courtyard under a clear sky full of twinkling stars. Sometimes jackals invaded the corn field behind our house during the night, adding extra thrill. I can still hear the receding calls of the village 'choukidar' alerting villagers against thieves.
However, there was holiday homework to contend with. Teachers gave loads of homework to spoil our enjoyment. Needless to say, the end of vacation was woefully marked by unfinished homework.
Lost Joys of Nature
Gone are those happy summer vacation days spent in the lap of nature. Regretfully, today's children don't chase kites or run in mango groves to collect fallen fruits during 'kalbaisakhi' (Nor'wester) storms in the afternoon.
Buddhadev Nandi, Bishnupur (West Bengal)
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