October once again
Tomorrow is October once again,and that means the skies can finally make up their mind—or at least pretend to. The monsoons are bowing out with a dramatic farewell, and suddenly, there’s a crispness in the air that wasn’t there last week. It’s like the world took a deep breath, sighed out the humidity, and is now ready to settle into something calmer, cooler, and much less sweaty.
October always catches me off guard, even though it’s a regular on the calendar. One day, I’m complaining about the rains, and the next, I’m trying to figure out if it’s too early to pull out my sweaters. It’s also the time when festivals start rolling in, and with them, the great Indian wardrobe dilemma: Do I stick to my trusty kurta or go all out with something sparkly? Either way, I’ll probably end up overdressed for a lunch or underdressed for a puja. There’s no winning in October fashion; the weather changes faster than my mood in traffic.
And then, of course, comes the food. October is basically a permission slip for indulgence. It starts off innocently enough—a ladoo here, a bite of barfi there. But before I know it, I’m knee-deep in festive sweets, making promises to myself about going on a “post-Diwali detox,” as if that’s ever going to happen. Let’s be real: October is not the month for restraint. It’s the month for stuffing your face with snacks, then pretending your wardrobe has mysteriously shrunk by the time November rolls around.
October also has that lovely balance between warmth and chill. In the mornings, I’m still in my light cottons, but by evening, I’m dramatically wrapping myself in a shawl like I’m starring in some kind of Bollywood monologue. The temperature doesn’t call for it, but it’s October, and a shawl just *feels* right.
And oh, the festivals! Navratri, Durga Puja, and the looming promise of Diwali. Everyone’s gearing up, putting up lights, and practicing their dandiya moves. I’m convinced this will be the year I finally get the steps right, but if history is any guide, I’ll probably spend most of my time apologizing for stepping on someone’s foot—again. Still, October lets me believe, just for a second, that I might have rhythm.
October in India isn’t just a month—it’s a mood. It’s that sweet spot between chaos and calm, where the air feels lighter, the nights longer, and everything smells a little more festive. It’s the promise of brighter days, cooler nights, and endless reasons to celebrate, even if I’m slightly out of sync with the season’s dance.
So, here’s to October—the month that makes me feel like I’m starring in a slow-motion festival montage, even if I’m stumbling my way through it.
