Hello, wonderful Hivers!
I hope this note finds you all in great spirits. Today’s blog is a special one, as it marks a deeply nostalgic and therapeutic journey for me. It’s about my recent visit to a place close to my heart—my village, Katai, nestled in the picturesque district of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Returning to my village Katai after five long years was like stepping into a serene painting. This small village, consisting of just four houses that belong to my family, is surrounded by lush apple orchards and dense forests. The air is fresh and pure, untouched by pollution, making it a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The first morning in my village began with a simple but nourishing breakfast. After eating, I headed to the cowshed to feed the cows, a routine that always leaves me feeling grounded and peaceful.
Later in the day, accompanied by my cousins and our loyal German Shepherd, I explored our expansive apple orchards. Witnessing the beauty of the orchards was a sight to behold. Engaging in the hands-on activities, I dug a few pits for new plantings and learned about the essential tasks involved in apple farming, including planting, irrigation, pruning, fertilizing, and harvesting.
After these enlightening activities, we went back home, freshened up, and enjoyed a hearty lunch. Afterward, we took a short rest before deciding to visit our village temple. This visit was spiritually uplifting, reminding me of the deep-rooted traditions and values of our village.
Our next stop was to meet our cousins from a nearby village. Spending time with them was an eye-opener, their pure, innocent, and joyful demeanor despite having limited resources was a humbling experience. They seemed to possess a happiness that I found rare in urban life.
As night approached, it was time to head home. In the village, people usually have dinner early, around 7 to 7:30 pm, and go to bed by 9 or 10 pm, waking up at dawn between 4 and 5 am. At first, their schedule was challenging for me, but it soon started to feel refreshing. What I thought would be a one-day stay turned into a week, and I still didn’t want to leave. The peace and comfort I found there were beyond words.
When I got back home, I realized that once I’ve achieved my goals, I see myself returning to my village. I want to spend the rest of my life in the peaceful embrace of the place where my ancestors lived, where my dad grew up, and where I found true peace and happiness.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through my village. I hope it brought you a sense of peace and a longing for the simple, soulful life that living in the village offers. The calmness and deep connection with nature and community in my village have left a lasting mark on my heart. Until next time, take care, and keep seeking out the places and moments that bring you true peace and joy.