I grew up in an industrial city. Despite being surrounded by many factories, the city was well-planned. We had a huge park right in the heart of the city. As soon as you started to feel a nip in the air, people would flock to that park with their mats, food, and games. November, December, and January were the picnic months in my city. The sun wasn’t harsh and everyone loves to lie down on open grass. My school took us to picnics every year at that park, and even my family would do the same.
A lot of us have similar memories when it comes to picnics. After harsh summers, desi people look forward to basking in the pleasant winter sun. The sun feels like a maternal touch on our skin. But for a lot of people who live in cities where open spaces are a luxury, they are not quite familiar with the picnic culture of India that comes alive in winter. Sure, they do organize picnics on their terraces and even balconies, but it’s not the same thing, right?
While I was talking to a colleague recently, she said something that made a lot of sense. She said that picnic culture thrives in cities which have open spaces and most of them are found in those cities which have a historical significance – cities with monuments that are surrounded by parks and gardens. I moved to Delhi recently and I was amazed by the number of parks this city has. I live in one of the most bustling areas of the national capital yet I have two parks just a stone’s throw away from my house. Cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Pune, and many others that are blessed with open spaces become spots where you can spot picnic mats during winter.
Let’s talk about India Gate, for example. On one hand, you have the majestic India Gate and on the other, you have sprawling lawns where you can often spot people having a picnic. A colleague who was born and brought up in Delhi told me, “I have celebrated about five to six birthdays at India Gate with my entire family – from distant relatives to my close fam, everyone was there. We took our blankets and food.” While that might not be the kind of idyllic picnic, British authors have waxed eloquent about in their works, the sentiment remains the same. It is the joy of families coming closer.
When I was living in Kolkata, there have been numerous occasions when I went to Elliot Park that’s located right opposite to one of the busiest lanes in the city. Or everyone’s favourite – Maidan – close to Victoria Memorial. In a city where winter lasts hardly for three weeks, these two spots would teem with people. Frisbees would fly in the air, children would giggle, and parents would gather together and talk about life. I was in college back then. We lived in shoddy hostels and home-cooked meals would be a luxury. We would get aloo dum and poori (Kolkata’s favourite food that you can find in almost every alley) packed and that would be our meal. During those times, we forgot about the fact that we received running water for only two hours in the morning. All that mattered was how at peace we felt in this setting.
Another colleague who hails from Lucknow said that the grounds around Imambada are a popular picnic spot in her city. Interestingly, a crocodile conservation park is a close contender. She adds, “I don’t know why people picnic there, but they do. I have also gone there.” This brings us back to the fact that people just need an open space where they can set up their picnics. It really doesn’t matter where.
Today, the idea of a picnic has changed. Most of us took desi homecooked meals or would cook on the spot and eat on disposable plates and bowls. People today take bento cakes, juices, wines, pizza, and even charcuterie boards to picnics. And that is fine. The main idea of a picnic is to spend time together outside of the four walls of the house. What matters is how people are coming close and not what they do. A friend said, “Picnics have changed too much these days – but I have my fair share of memories from when I was a kid. We would all go out as a family, and do a potluck for food. This used to be nice and fun, and a good way to talk about things – which we never did otherwise.”
When you notice the fast-paced urbanisation that is happening around you, you realize that open spaces are slowly becoming a luxury. There might come a time when the generation after us will not get to experience the joy of a desi picnic. It, then, boils down to us that we fiercely protect these places. But until that day comes, it is time that we take out those badminton racquets, cook some delicious food, grab a bedsheet and head to the nearest park and have a beautiful picnic.
