When it’s spring in the Himalayas…
When the sun-spun rain falls gently on the mountains…
When magical mists like divine dragons rise from forests…
That is when the mystique of Darjeeling Tea is created.

The chillier it grows, Darjeeling people need more of the woolies! With the passing of “Nag Panchami“, a Hindu festival, where nag or a snake is worshipped, Darjeeling grows chillier by the day – The details of Nag Panchami can be got by clicking the wikipedia link above. It is a common belief here in Darjeeling and with the rest of the Nepalese community that with the passing of Nag Panchami festival which occurs during peak moonsoon time, also starts the chilly days, and till date, I have found that to be true – Darjeeling gets chillier by the day!

Darjeeling Tea growing and processing normally gets dormant with the passing of Autumn Flush which is near! Tea bushes in Darjeeling can withstand certain harsh temperatures, but not the winter months of Darjeeling when it is normally near the zero degree mark. The cold temperature inhibits growth of tea bushes because tea needs sun for proper growth – and during these winter days, sun is probably unseen due to intense foggy weather. There will be zero production, but the need for tea would be tremendous. Its always a good idea to stock up those Darjeeling Tea tins and get yourselves warm when in need.

For a few days now, Darjeeling has been receiving a lot of continuous rain which is at the same time causing the temperature to drop – creating a chilly Darjeeling atmosphere. I have probably ransacked my cupboards  for all my woolies and will probably wash it and keep it ready, just in case. But Darjeeling is known to have sun during the months of October-November: months when the Autumnal Darjeeling Teas will be processed – Hope we have good weather for the tea bushes to sprout newer forms of autumnal life.

Just a side note: notice the vehicle going up on that climbing road depicted on the picture above – an example of the steepness of the roads in Darjeeling

In the meantime, drinking a pot of lovely Second Flush Darjeeling Tea!