Bless this mess I am about to address!
Mid-semester break seemed a God send opportunity. I had a long to-do-list; blankets/quilts/duvets to be washed, wrapped and stored; woollens to be packed and stocked; almirahs/cupboards to be thoroughly cleaned; summer stuff to be taken out and arranged; massive cleaning of fans and windows; AC service; inventory of the pantry and so forth.
We, in north India, face extreme weather–harsh, cold winters and blistering hot summers. As the season changes, each home undergoes a major task: winter goodies in and summer stuff out. The ‘taking out and keeping in’ exercise is coupled with a sorting-out campaign. Why store something if it won’t be required next season? A huge pile of discards and giveaway materialises. Many things that have sentimental attachments pop up: my first purchase, first gift, favourite garment, and the like; things that will neither be used again nor can be given away. Similarly, many things participate in the ‘in-out’ ritual but are never used. Like a treasure hunt, many things show up that were relegated to oblivion. Why do we undertake this mammoth, rigorous exercise? What is the logic?
The ancient ritual of purging the home of accumulated debris has cultural and religious significance. Spring ushers Chinese New Year, the Jewish Passover and the Persian New Year, Nowruz. It was a social practice to thoroughly clean the homes of coal residues before the insects swarmed the environment. Moreover, a thorough cleaning symbolises the start of a fresh season, the arousal after winter hibernation. The doors and windows, tightly barred in winter, need to be opened to let in a gush of fresh air. We need to brush aside the winter complacency, hours spent snuggled in the warm quilts, munching on the goodies, and undertake some physical activity. After the dormant winter season, it is a welcome transition to vibrant spring.
Incidentally, Holi, the festival of colours, which falls in spring, also symbolises this spirit. It is a festival of introspection and calls for purging our feelings. We need to dust the cobwebs from our emotions and embrace our estranged relations.
“The beautiful spring came; and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also,” said Harriet Ann Jacobs.
Suruchi Kalra Choudhary
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