JULY - HARH
July arrives with the unmistakable heat of summer, firmly entrenched in its grip. In the Northern Hemisphere, the sun stands high in the sky, relentless and unwavering. Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere, winter’s chill continues to dominate. July is the peak of the summer cycle - a month where the earth simmers beneath the midday sun, and nature reaches its fullest expression of warmth.
In the north, the sun shines from dawn to dusk, casting a golden glow over the land. The air feels heavy, thick with heat, as days stretch long, offering little respite from the intense warmth. The scent of dust and earth lingers in the air, punctuated by the occasional breeze that offers brief, cool relief. It’s a time when the landscape is at its most vibrant, yet most demanding. Fields, now fully green, stretch out as far as the eye can see, their crops ripening under the powerful summer sun. The earth seems to hum with life, yet there’s a fatigue in the air, as if nature itself is taking a deep breath before the harvest.
In the Southern Hemisphere, July marks the deepening of winter. The chill sets in, and the earth slows its rhythm, preparing for the quiet that winter brings. But in the north, July is a month of growth and ripening, where the crops sway gently, as if caught in an eternal dance with the summer breeze, standing tall and proud in the sunlight.
In Punjab, July corresponds with Harh, a month that marks the height of summer and a critical point in the agricultural cycle. The fields are thick with crops, and the land is in full bloom, as farmers continue their careful tending in preparation for the next harvest that will soon follow. It’s a month of hard work, when the long hours in the field feel endless, and yet the promise of the harvest is palpable in the air.
Harh is the time when the days are hot, and the nights, though still warm, bring a slight coolness that offers relief from the searing sun. The heat has turned the landscape into a patchwork of gold and green, as crops like rice, sugarcane, and maize flourish under the summer sun. Farmers wake early to make the most of the cooler hours, working diligently to ensure that their fields remain strong and healthy as the crops near maturity.
The landscape of Punjab is alive with the sound of life - cattle grazing in the fields, the clink of sickles as farmers prepare for the harvest, and the rhythmic pounding of grain being processed. The roads are filled with people heading to and from the fields, their faces reflecting both the intensity of the work and the satisfaction of progress.
In the heat of Harh, the rivers, fed by the melting snow from the mountains, are full and flowing, bringing life-giving water to the crops. The farmers depend on these rivers, channeling their waters to irrigate the fields and keep the crops nourished during the hot, dry days. The sound of flowing water carries through the countryside, a reminder of the interconnectedness of land, water, and life.
It’s a time when the bond between the farmer and the land is most evident. The heat of the sun does not deter the workers; instead, it fuels their determination to see the crops through to harvest. The scent of fresh earth and ripening grain fills the air, and every corner of the land speaks of the work being done to ensure that the coming months will bring bounty.
Even as the farmers toil, they take moments to appreciate the fruits of their labour. The mustard fields, which had once painted the countryside yellow, are now quiet, their seeds gathered and stored. The earth, rich with nutrients, is ready for the harvest to come. As the sun sets, the orange glow fills the skies, casting a peaceful light over the fields where the work continues well into the night.
In cities, too, the pulse of Harh is felt. Markets are brimming with fresh produce—early fruits, vegetables, and grains that carry the energy of the land with them.
But it’s not just about the work of the fields. Harh is a month of patience. It is a time when the fruits of labour have yet to be fully realised, but the promise of what’s to come is enough to keep spirits high. It’s a moment to reflect on the passage of time - how the seasons shift, and how, like the crops in the field, one’s efforts too will come to fruition.
In Harh, the land gives its energy freely, but it is a month of waiting - waiting for the harvest, for the work to be complete. The fields, though full and lush, are yet to offer their full bounty. The heat of the day gives way to the coolness of the evening, and in that transition, there is a quiet beauty - a reminder that, like the seasons, the cycle of life moves ever forward.
As July draws to a close, Harh leaves its mark on the land and the people. It is a time of sweat and toil, yes, but also a time of hope and anticipation. For as the heat of summer reaches its peak, so too does the promise of a rich harvest, just waiting to be gathered.
A depiction of farmers working before noon in the month of Harh.
In the fullness of Harh, may we embrace the intensity and vibrance of the summer days. With energy, Trish Saab