DECEMBER - MAGHAR
As the final month of the Gregorian calendar year, December brings with it a sense of reflection and transition. In the Northern Hemisphere, December marks the official arrival of winter, as temperatures drop and the days grow shorter. The air turns crisp, and the earth is often covered in frost, signaling the end of one year and the beginning of another. People bundle up in warm clothing as they brace for the coldest months ahead, and the long nights provide an opportunity to rest and reflect on the year that has passed. December in the North is a time of quiet before the renewal that spring promises.
In contrast, in the Southern Hemisphere, December signals the peak of summer. The sun shines intensely, bringing with it high temperatures and long, sun-filled days. The energy of the season is palpable, with outdoor activities and festivals in full swing. The evenings, while still warm, offer a welcome coolness, and the nights are shorter, making way for extended daylight hours. December in the South is a time of vibrant life, where the year’s end is celebrated under the bright summer sky.
For those in Punjab, December marks the month of Maghar—deeply rooted in the agricultural rhythms of the region. The crisp winter air settles over the fields, and the days, though shorter, carry a quiet warmth under the winter sun. The earth, now hardened by frost, awaits the slower thawing of the season.
In Maghar, the work of harvest continues. Farmers are busy collecting the last of their crops, with wheat, mustard, sugarcane, cotton, and some remaining rice being harvested. The rhythmic sound of sickles cutting through the fields and the beat of threshers processing the grain fills the air. The work is diligent, but there is a sense of fulfillment as the harvest season draws near its end.
For farmers, Maghar is a time of preparation and reflection. They clear the remnants of the old harvest, take stock of the season, and plan for the next cycle of planting. The mustard fields, once vibrant with yellow blooms, now hold ripened seeds, which are carefully harvested and stored. These seeds will either be pressed into oil or saved for planting in the months to come.
Maghar is also a time for families to come together. They sort and store the grains, filling the barns and granaries with fresh harvests. The warmth of the winter sun contrasts with the growing chill of the nights, reminding everyone that the full force of winter is on its way. Around the angeethi, families gather in the evening, sharing stories and warmth as they savour the last flavours of the harvest.
In the cities, the markets reflect the seasonal transition. Fresh produce from the harvest fills the stalls, and the festive energy of the season is evident in the streets. People enjoy the milder evenings, taking part in outdoor gatherings and celebrations, reconnecting with the rhythms of the land.
The balance of hard work and satisfaction is felt deeply during Maghar. The fields, now quiet after the harvest, prepare for the colder months. The rivers begin to freeze, and the pace of life slows down, as the last of the winter crops are gathered. Farmers take pride in their work, knowing that the cycle of nature continues—always shifting, always renewing.
As Maghar draws to a close, the temperature becomes a little colder, heralding the arrival of Poh - the month that marks the deepest winter. This period of reflection and rest paves the way for the promise of new growth, the arrival of Chet, and the vibrant bloom of spring.
A depiction of young wheat crops in Maghar.
As December closes the year, may we reflect on our journeys and celebrate the moments that shaped us. As Maghar gives way to Poh and winter tightens its grip, may we find warmth in our hopes for the seasons ahead.
Until next time,
Trish Saab