Assam Diaries

Hi everyone!

If you follow me on my social media you’d know that I was in Assam the last weekend. Had gone to attend a friend’s wedding reception and OMG what an epic trip it was. 

I am still in vacay hangover when I write this. Actually for me the hangover of the vacation stays for the longest time and it is always a delightful feeling.  

The excitement was high and thankfully Guwahati maintained it pretty well.

Welcome dinner at this mesmeric restaurant accompanied by beer, wedding plans, college memories and friends was the greatest start to the trip. 

The next morning got with it sunshine, sausages and my sassy Bengali friend. Reunion in full swing…After leisurely getting ready we left for Shillong to visit the much talked about Bada Pani. An hour and a half journey was predominated by never ending conversations (bitching was quite a chunk of them) and making travel plans. Bada Pani as the name suggests is a huge lake. It is supremely pretty and so refreshing!  

When in mountains you cannot miss the roadside dhaba chai with chips. And this time it was tea with a view. 

Got back to the room, chatted over a little more tea and nail painting session. So what else do you expect us girls to do on a vacation??

It’s such a happy feeling to be back with old friends, talking non-sense about how life is screwing us all. Chai pe charcha was my favorite part of the trip. In fact it is the favorite part of all the trips.

Evenings in Guwahati are beautiful. There was a nip in the air, just the right sprinkling of romantic responsiveness. And when you are invited for dinner at home, the evening becomes a tad bit special. My friend Pratik and his mom were so hospitable. He has a beautiful home, certainly nothing less than a mansion. There is this aura of old style homes. They have so many stories and memories hidden, all you need is a little patience and the heart to soak them all up.

Delicious home cooked Assamese food was all that we needed for a happy ending to the day, and we got that. The kheer was a much loved bonus! 

PS – The conversations, happiness and exuberance would be incomplete without Pratik’s grandfather. 90 year old, dapper nanaji is still so full of life that he can put a lot of us to shame. Talking in fluent Bengali and English, he asked us girls about our boyfriends, lovers and exes. I think that nobody has understood my heartbreak like nanaji did.

Seeking blessings of elders and almighty is always a good idea. A Sunday morning at the temple hasn’t happened for the longest time. I am glad it did on this trip. We visited Kamakhya Temple. Amidst the cacophony of temple bells, anxious and excited pilgrims (or do I call them tourists) there was an undertone of peace. The unrest inside somehow settled and there was a positivity which engulfed me. 

After the spiritual journey it was time for some fun, shenanigans and of course lunching….Happy food makes a happier vacation!

The reception started in the afternoon itself so we could relish yummy lunch and dinner both. A lavish spread awaited us. Mutton Akbari was the star of the show. A rich flavorful gravy and tender mutton that melted in the mouth. Fish and potato curry came a close second. Guests started pouring in and the bride and the groom got busy. 

We all, the dulhe ke friends sat in a sunlit corner with coffee. My views of nationalism have never been on point, but at that time integration was certainly on point. Boisterous Bengalis, a zealous Punjabi and jubilant Assamese soon to be bride and groom made a bunch.

After getting all decked up we went back to the venue, clicked tonnes of pictures, had golgappe and a unique dessert. I forgot to take the picture. It was a royal delicacy of cream and mihidana or boondi as it is popularly known.

With plans of a couple vacation to Bhutan, spending happy times at Majnu ka Tila and Sarojini in Delhi, visiting the beautiful monasteries of Sikkim and relishing Hisla in Kolkata, we devoured the breakfast next morning.

When in Assam you got to visit the mighty Brahmaputra River. We just caught a glimpse of it on the way to the airport. Although the wedding festivities were over, the laugh riot and the fun did not cease even till the last minute. Ending the trip with chai and pakode, we finally reached the airport just in time.

Isn’t it amazing how time flies at supersonic speed in happier times? It was like yesterday we were attending lectures, making advertising assignments and now some of my friends have stepped into the new phase of life.

Pretty mountains, happy vibes, old friends and new, delicious food and of course memories for a lifetime – Guwahati has given me all of these and a lot more. It liberated my heart and has filled me up with enticing energy, just what the mountains do to me. 

Both the boys were the perfect hosts. Of course extra brownie points for the groom – Hrishiiiii!

So until next time, whether it is the mountains or not, stay happy!

PS  - If you haven’t followed me on social media, do it now so that you know what the next destination is and all the other masala in my life.