Cottony cirrus clouds galore <br /> Across the blue sky sail, <br />While dark nimbus ones depart- <br /> Announcing monsoon's farewell. <br /> <br />Emerald green hills around <br /> Get bedecked in aureate hues <br />Of bountiful marigold blooms- <br /> Spreading autumn's advent-news. <br /> <br />The smiling autumnal sun <br /> With its mellowed golden rays <br />Bestows upon the cheerful folks <br /> Pleasant and fruitful days. <br /> <br />With nature at its munificent best <br /> Seasonal festivities commence- <br />Phool-Patti's vibrant rituals <br /> Welcome home Mother Goddess. <br /> <br />Worship of the Divine Mother <br /> With great pomp and gaiety <br />Fill the hearts of one and all <br /> With a sense of blissful purity. <br /> <br />While bidding the Mother adieu <br /> Dashain rituals are observed <br />With bright Tika marks on brows <br /> Joy's win over gloom is preserved. <br /> <br />As the balmy days go by, <br /> And the moon starts waning <br />Comes the time of Tihar- with <br /> Bright musical nights beckoning. <br /> <br />At the onset of the festival <br /> Ritual feeding commences <br />Of common birds and animals <br /> That may have divine alliances. <br /> <br />The new moon night following <br /> Is the bright festival of Diyas- <br />These earthen lamps seek to <br /> Dispel darkness from all arenas. <br /> <br />Finally, it's time for Bhai Tika <br /> A family occasion to rejoice- <br />Celebrating sibling bond with <br /> Sel rotis, other dishes of choice. <br /> <br />Thus pass the festive days <br /> Of enthralling hues and flavours, <br />Filling the lives of hill folks <br /> With Creator's choicest treasures.<br /><br />Somdev Mukherjee<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/autumnal-revelry-of-dashain-tihar-when-the-fervour-of-the-season-makes-darjeeling-hill-folks-exult/
