An ode to Summer

In global perception, summer evokes images of joy, hopefulness, warmth, robust health, and outdoor pursuits. However, in a tropical nation like India, the narrative shifts somewhat to encompass heatwaves, perspiration, indoor retreats, light cuisine, and escapes to the hills.

Despite our complaints about the season, it holds a special place in our hearts. Children eagerly anticipate their break from school, while adults yearn to quench their wanderlust amidst India’s picturesque hills and mountains.

While many regions, particularly in the central and southern parts of the country, endure harsh heat, there are pockets blessed with remarkably pleasant climates. This draws tourists to destinations such as Manali, Ladakh, Nainital, Pahalgam, Shillong, Gangtok, Munnar, Kodaikanal, and Ooty.

As temperatures soar and even gallons of water fail to provide relief, maintaining a balanced diet emerges as the most effective strategy for staying cool this summer. A proper diet helps lower internal body heat, promoting comfort amidst the sweltering conditions. Essential additions to your summer menu include refreshing options like cucumber, melons, leafy greens, buttermilk, mangoes, lemons, yogurt, and fish.

Before you hastily grab another glass of water, consider this: there exists a treasure trove of traditional Indian summer beverages awaiting to quench your thirst and entice your taste buds. These chilled concoctions have been combating the Indian summer for generations, boasting flavors as diverse and vibrant as the culture they originate from. From the zesty tang of nimbu pani (lemonade) to the refreshing kick of aam panna (raw mango drink), from the invigorating spice of jaljeera to the soothing simplicity of chaas (buttermilk), each sip tells a story of tradition and indulgence. Classics like kokum sherbet, thandai, bel sherbet (wood apple drink), sugarcane juice, and sattu drink also make appearances, offering a glimpse into the enchantment of Indian summers. Whether you crave the sour burst of raw mango or the smooth richness of almond milk, these beverages promise both beloved favorites and exciting new discoveries. So why endure the heat when you can embrace it with every sip? With the perfect drink in hand, you can truly savor the essence of summer.

When combating the summer heat, opting for white linens proves to be the ideal choice. It’s time to stow away your knitwear and denim and embrace the airy comfort of floral dresses, cotton kurtas, and tunics. Summer attire demands breathable fabrics like cotton, vibrant colors, and a sensation of ease when worn in hot conditions. A range of essential summer wardrobe items ensures both style and comfort, spanning from plain white t-shirts to classic boyfriend jeans to snug sneakers. These staples belong in your wardrobe, ready to be paired with various summer ensembles to effortlessly complete your look. Whether you’re lounging at the beach, enjoying outdoor breakfasts, or exploring tourist attractions, summer dresses, cotton kurtis, tunics, tank tops, skirts, linen pants, and shorts for women, as well as linen shirts, cargos, and cotton shorts for men, exude an air of cool elegance.

How do you enjoy summer in your region? Let me know in the comments!