OCTOBER: THE HARBINGER OF CHANGE

In October the days sparkle with the clear blue sky and the moon and twinkling stars adorn the cool nights.

                                                        The stately Neem in the neighborhood

                                             
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In October, the weather is on the threshold of change. It can be rightly called a month in transit. It leaves behind the humidity and wetness of the monsoons and proceeds to bring crispy breeziness of autumn.

Residents open the doors and windows of their houses to let the dry air pass through to freshen up the indoors. Cupboards remain open for a few hours to drive out the moisture of stored clothes and all sorts of linen. The doors and windows, which were giving trouble in opening and closing because of the absorption of moisture and some swelling in the rainy season, get relief and are back into proper shape.  The dry air helps the sticky mold to lose its blackened presence on the outside walls and corners, which don’t get enough sunlight. The varied aromas of the fast approaching autumn replace the unpleasant smells of the prolonged monsoons. 

                   Singleton myna seems intent on the wiggling grub.
                                                 
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In October, the mornings usher soothing coolness. One feels like lingering in the driveway to get the feel of the change in the weather. Though the day temperature keeps you in, evenings again invite you to step out for a walk. Thankfully, the ACs have been switched off till the next summer and ceiling fans on low speed during daytime suffice.

In North India, there is no shedding of leaves yet. The trees, bushes, and plants actually look bright green and seem to be thriving still. My Neem tree outside our boundary wall has its greenness intact. It welcomes all sorts of birds in its aromatic fold. Yesterday I saw mynas and hoopoes pecking joyfully in our front lawn and flying away quickly at my approach. They perch safely on the extended branches of the Neem and land again at the first chance. Mornings are afloat with their peculiar chirps and cheeps.

In fact, October is the ideal travel month in North India. There are very many touristy places waiting to be explored by the travel-hungry and the adventure lovers.

                              
                               Durga Puja in progress       the hindu.com
                                          
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October is also a festive month. Festivals like Navratras, Dushehra and Durga Puja keep the believers in grace while they visit sacred temples far and near to pay their obeisance to gods and goddesses.

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                             Pumpkin festival in the west           Google image
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In the West, October displays blazing autumn for the onlookers to feast their eyes on. The festive spirit generated by Halloween thrills and excites everyone. The pumpkin displays outside most of the houses some with artistically cut faces to make way for the lamps to be lighted inside extend an invitation to walk around the neighborhood.

                               Autumn hues of October in the US.

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October has special sights, sounds, aromas and charms to make us miss it every year.

Friends welcome here as always!

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