Before mangoes and litchis begin to fruit in the Doon valley, the atmosphere is laden with the fragrance that emanates from these trees. It is a heady scent that can make anyone joyous without any reason.
These days, in all areas where the trees still remain, one is welcomed by the aroma of this “baur” of litchi and mango trees. Roses are blooming in gardens and so are many other flowers like daisies, pansies, dahlias and sweet peas. Colour and scent are at their peak as the spring stretches into summer.
The hedges with their wild roses and the numerous jacaranda trees in the valley create a colourful and refreshing landscape in many places. The tesu trees, with their magnificent orange-red flowers, have been spreading beauty and joy all over the valley for the past three months.
However, one must admit that the number of trees and gardens has reduced considerably with the growing urbanisation. Apartments have taken up the places which were once occupied by the sprawling bungalows in Dehradun.
Every one wants a place in the valley. It is quite ironical that the very things which make a person want to have a place here are being destroyed before these apartments can be built. Gradually, only the concrete structures will be left and the forests and glades will vanish .
That will happen sooner than later. Till that eventually does happen, one can still try and enjoy the generous gifts of natures bestowed on our valley. The lemon trees, the grapefruit(chakodra) trees, the eucalyptus and the raat ki rani fragrances mingle with each other to create a magic that nobody can resist.
One just has to lose oneself in these divine scents which can be described best as ‘heavenly’. In fact, sometimes I wonder whether even heaven would be able to match these joys. It is difficult to put in words the effect that the whiffs of the fragrant breeze has on one’s mind, heart and soul.
As one moves towards the hills, one’s heart is captured by the strong scent of pines and beauty of the crimson red buransh (Rhododendron) flowers that are found in abundance beyond Mussoorie, in Dhanaulti. Jams, sherbets, squashes and juice are made from buransh flowers which have many medicinal qualities besides their amazing beauty.
The apple, pear and peach blossoms in Doon valley as well as Mussoorie contribute greatly to the spring-summer landscape and environment. And so do the silver oak trees. Gulmohar, which was earlier not found much in the valley, now adds a splash of vibrant red to the spread of colour during these days.
However, the Jacaranda, with its soft purple, mauve blooms and its graceful shape, dominates and lends a romantic touch to this festival of flowers .
For me, this time of the year brings back thoughts of days when I was busy preparing for my school examinations, looking out every now and then from my window to take in the beauty of these flowers and trees in the garden. Soon, the exams would get over and the litchis in the orchard would ripen.
The two-month long summer holidays were what I would be waiting for. Two months of freedom from school, of meeting my cousins and grandparents, of reading my favourite books, of going to the movies…two months of sheer bliss!
This time of the year no longer brings me blissful vacations. However, the fragrances and the colours bring back lovely memories from various phases of life spent in the valley. Nothing is forever. Nothing is eternal . Only change is permanent. This is true.
However, I feel that the changing seasons are eternal ,their beauty and colours are forever. I have seen them since I was a child. These scents are in my blood, in my soul. Every part of the valley has a gift for me.As I walk past these gardens, hedges and trees , they offer their fragrant beings to me and I accept with an ever grateful heart , with a joyful soul.
What would life be without these beautiful surroundingsIJ May God bless this valley with the strength to keep away people who wish to deprive it of its natural splendour , its magical colours and heavenly fragrances.