"Winter Mornings and the Warm Memories of the Past

 

Winter is at its peak, and an atmosphere of autumn seems to blanket everything. The cold is so intense that it feels as if it seeps into the bones. Warm clothes have been taken out all over the house—blankets and quilts are being wrapped around, and warm socks, coats, sweaters, and thick shawls are keeping the body protected from the chill. And in such a season, who can forget dry fruits?

Even today, when I wake up in the winter mornings and step back into the lanes of the past, the cold breeze from the window brings with it a whole film of memories of my mother and father. My mother would prepare warm clothes and have new quilts made for the winter, while my father would bring us freshly warmed eggs and dry fruits—pine nuts, pistachios, almonds, walnuts, and more.

In our home, no one really ate peanuts, and cashews were not particularly liked either. My father loved pistachios and almonds, whereas I, since childhood, always preferred pine nuts. I would even fill the pockets of my school coat with them and take them along. My friends would sneak pine nuts out of my coat pockets and eat them with delight.

In winter, we would also drink doodhi, a warm and nutritious milk-based drink prepared by adding poppy seeds, fennel, almonds, char magaz, and sugar, simmered once over the stove. It was always drunk before going to bed.

Another blessing of winter is sitting in the sweet, gentle sunlight—truly one of God’s most beautiful gifts. Watching snowfall in Murree is another delightful and enchanting sight. In fact, witnessing snow fall is a uniquely magical experience on its own.

Winter in Islamabad brings its own charm—wonderful weather and delicious food, like roasted fish, which is one of winter’s finest treats. Radishes, carrots, kinnow, oranges, and pomegranates are among the best winter fruits. Mustard greens served with potatoes, fenugreek, and bitter gourd make for excellent seasonal vegetables. Amla pickle is also among the best pickles for winter.

In every way, Islamabad’s winters are colorful, joyful, and full of life. The days are so short that they pass in the blink of an eye—only nine hours long.

Welcome, winter.