SEPTEMBER - BHADON
September. A time of contrasts and change. In the Northern Hemisphere, autumn begins to settle in, painting the landscape with hues of amber and gold. Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere, the first whispers of spring stir the land awake. September brings a season of transition - a month where nature oscillates between endings and beginnings.
In the north, the days grow shorter, the mornings cooler. Trees shed their leaves, carpeting the ground in warm tones of red, orange, and brown. The air feels crisper, with a sense of slowing down, as the world prepares for the colder months ahead. People begin to pull their sweaters out from storage, and rug up for the cooler temperatures. It’s a time for reflection, for finding comfort in the warmth indoors, as autumn wraps its arms around the season.
In the south, September breathes life into the land. The soil stirs with energy as blossoms burst forth, filling gardens and fields with vivid colours. The scent of fresh-cut grass mingles with the sweetness of blooming flowers. People step outside, basking in the gentle sun that hints at the warmer days ahead. Spring, with its light and promise, unfurls across the hemisphere, igniting a sense of renewal.
Yet September is more than the seasons’ dance. It’s a time of quiet determination, of gathering momentum. As the year edges closer to its final quarter, there’s an awareness that time is slipping by. Resolutions are revisited. Projects are picked up with fresh energy. Goals that felt distant are brought back into focus. September carries a subtle urgency, nudging us to make the most of the days that remain.
In Punjab, September aligns with Bhadon, a month deeply intertwined with the natural rhythms of life and farming. The monsoon begins to retreat, leaving behind rain-soaked fields and skies washed clean. The land, rejuvenated by the rains, exudes a vibrant green. Rivers flow steadily, their waters fed by the earlier downpours, and snowmelt from the Himalayan Mountains. It’s a month where the region pulses with life, as farmers prepare for the next spin in the cycle of farming.
Bhadon is a time of cultivation. The paddy fields are lush, with young rice plants standing tall, their leaves glistening under the soft sun. Farmers work diligently, nurturing their crops, ensuring they receive just the right amount of water and care. The mornings are filled with the rhythmic sounds of ploughs turning the damp soil, a testament to the region’s deep connection to agriculture.
The humidity of the earlier months gives way to more comfortable days. The skies are often dotted with clouds, providing brief moments of shade to the farmers working under the sun. Evenings in Bhadon are cooler. The sound of crickets fills the air, blending with the distant hum of village life.
In the cities, Bhadon marks the arrival of fresh produce. The markets brim with seasonal fruits and vegetables, from crisp guavas to vibrant okra. There’s a tangible joy in savouring the flavours of the harvest, a reminder of the deep ties between urban and rural life in Punjab.
As Bhadon progresses, the promise of the autumn harvest becomes clearer. Farmers check their fields, assessing the growth of their crops. There’s a quiet satisfaction in watching their labour come closer to fruition. The barns, though not yet full, hold the anticipation of what’s to come.
Bhadon is not just about the land; it’s about the spirit of the people. It’s a month of effort and patience, of understanding that growth requires time and care. It’s a celebration of the bond between the farmer and the earth, a relationship that sustains the heart of Punjab.
As the month draws to a close, Bhadon sets the stage for Assu, when the fields will yield their bounty, and the farmers’ toil will be rewarded. The land will once again shift, continuing its endless rhythm of giving and receiving.
In Bhadon, nature is at its most alive, carrying the promise of abundance and the lessons of patience. It’s a month that reminds us of the beauty of transitions, of the strength found in nurturing what we hold dear. In September, like Bhadon, there’s a quiet power - a reminder that even in moments of pause, growth is always underway.
A depiction of mature corn crops in Bhadon.
As the fields ripen, may Bhadon be full of fulfillment. Warm regards, Trish Saab