Mussoorie, At 7000 feet, as the mercury dips in minus, the Municipal Board in Mussoorie continues the tradition of keeping its citizens warm. From December to end of March, residents in town fight the biting cold, even if its for a few hours, around blazing bonfires at its famous landmarks from firewood distributed by the Board.
Sharp 4:30 p.m. a pick-up truck stacked with Jamun, Mango, Silver Oak, Amaltas trees wood out of the Municipal Board campus. Making its way through town, the pick-up commutes 12 kms one-way, unloading 25 quintal fire wood at various locations. Eager shop-keepers and freezing labourers collect the wood and light a bonfire, every evening come rain or sunshine, or sometimes snow.
The newly elected chairman Anuj Gupta, informs us, “It has been Mussoorie’s tradition that in the heart of winter, we make free firewood or alaoo available to all. From a dozen locations in the past we now distribute wood at thirty-two locations. Those who are working late evening or doing business can enjoy the bonfires on the road.”
For most, this is the closest they come to warmth. Daily labour Manchandra speaks for all those collected around the blazing fire at Landour bazaar, “During winter, this fire wood keeps us warm. Not only labourers like me but even tourists look forward to enjoy the heat of the fire.” Bhagwan Singh Ghansola a resident of the town, reiterates the same, “for years now, this alaoo has fought the cold for us. People from all walks of life, every age group will huddle together, exchange stories, eat peanuts around the bonfire, and when the fire begins to die out, we head back home, with warm hands and plenty of stories.”
Traditions such as these makes one realise, that all is not lost in the heart of winter. The warmth of the bonfire, kindles a spark in the hearts and spirits of those gathered around the bonfires, even if it were for an hour.
