Winter is the coldest season of the year between autumn and spring . The name comes from an old Germanic word meaning “ time of water “ referring to rain and snow in middle and high altitudes. In temperate weather countries there is a bit of anguish as the ice and snow creates a menace and a lot of time is expended in adding salt and melting it or in clearing the pathway of the garage. A lot of writing by famous playwrights including the Bard of Avon have dedicated their compositions to winter. Here in India the Nobel Laureate Tagore has also dedicated many of his compositions to winter .
In India winter is very severe in the Himalayas especially in the states of Uttarakhand , Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh where snowfall enmeshes the roads in a white blanket.
In the state of Bengal through which runs the Tropic of Cancer winter is considered fun times . The Himalayas which border North Bengal are a treat to watch from the hill station of Darjeeling.
Since Calcutta was a former capital and the second city of the British Empire there is a fine legacy of celebrating winter as it would evoke memories of England.
The best flowers that grow in winter are petunia , cockscomb, antirrhinum, cineraria, zinnia, calendula, chrysanthemum and marigold..
A beautiful flower show is organized by the Alipore Horticultural Show which is a big draw every year.
In this route people also flock the famous Zoological garden with their children. The vast array of animals , birds and water species in the aquarium leave little children starry eyed.
Delicacies in Calcutta winter are simply mouth watering. These are both in home and out of home. For those savouring continental food there is an array of winter vegetables like lettuce, celery , broccoli, cabbages and cauliflowers ,some abnormally large in size .
The famous Joynagarer Mowa , a sweet delicacy is an instant hit across the city and all around bengal. The liquid gur , a kind of jaggery is also very popular in bengal. It is used for making nolen gurer shondesh which is a pure winter sweetmeat.
Joynogorer Mowa
Nolen Gur
Nolen Gurer Shondesh
The restaurants in Park Street thrive at this time of the year. There are crowds thronging outside the likes of Peter Cat, Mocambo , Waldorf , Park Hotel is a delight to watch and Trincas in it. The chelo kebabs and chicken strogonnofs and the wide array of pastas sets your mind ablaze and your stomach at peace.
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