Unpredictable Summer

Parmeshwar Devkota

Hindu and Buddhist societies are more specific on the division of seasons of a year compared to that of Christian ones. In the East, the whole year is divided into six seasons -- Barsa, Grisma, Basanta, Hemanta, Sharad and Shishir. But, the West has only four seasons -- winter, spring, summer and autumn/fall. 

The majority of people wish for a temperate environment throughout the year. But it is not possible because the seasonal changes occur due to the shift in the position of celestial bodies like the Sun and the Moon. So, one season is very good, other is moderate and another one can be harsh. 

Poets and other litterateurs portray all seasons as equally beautiful. Praising every season alike is not good. They are either too naïve to describe the vagaries of seasons or they are so sadistic that they become happy when other people endure harshness of nature. Their works sometimes give false impression to all people in general, and farmers, travellers and shepherds in particular. They argue that seasonal changes make us active. This is the reason why they welcome all seasons. 

But it is not justifiable. We may not mind if someone praises winter and spring in this part of the world because they are moderate. It is fine to praise autumn, to some extent, because in this season days are short and nights are long. With long nights, we have a high chance of sleeping long hours and working short hours, which make us feel active and comfortable.

But, it is not wise to praise the summer season when the scorching heat of the sun makes plants drop their leaves, animals breathe fast and humans with asthma and other chronic diseases. Summer is the most unpredictable of all seasons. We should be ready to face a gust of winds, dreadful forest fire and devastating floods during the rainy season. 

Too much hot is the common characteristic of this season which can cause dizziness and dehydration among us, leading to weakness, fatigue and even faint. So, the majority of human beings, animals and birds are seen getting fed up with the summer season. Parents and children always get irritated in this season. 

Therefore, the working class people, travellers and farmers should not believe poets inclined to admire the summer season. Rather, they should pay their attention to the meteorologists who forecast weather. As for example, this daily published a news report on its front page on June 24, ‘Monsoon may affect two million people, over 14,000 personnel ready for disaster response’. 

This news story suggests that the worst days are coming. It does not suggest you to go on hiking, picnic and other adventure tourism activities. Instead, it advises you to watch out the changes in weather pattern and make people around you alert. The summer season of this year has already become devastating. 

A couple, who was coming to Kathmandu from Narayangadh, met their tragic end when their car fell into the Trishuli River recently. The accident happened when a part of road sank due to the rains. This example shows that the summer is the most unpredictable and frightening season. So, we should take precautions throughout this season.