Dilli, what has happened to your coolness? Your scorching heat is making it unbearable for most of the people to explore. I may or may not be one of them. This must have been my farthermost discovery in Dilli after a very long time. There’s calmness at the chaotic Majnu Ka Tila, which I once visited back in 2018.
Om Mani Padme Hum flags are all over the bridge, that makes me feel I’m back to Sikkim. The moment I pass through the New Aruna Nagar Colony Gate, coloured in Red, Green and Yellow, it feels nostalgic. Yes it is. Some shutters are shut, visitors are less, but the world around it remains the same. Dogs have their own alleyways. The Monastery remains closed during the lunch time, but love, warmth and worship lives in the air. People are sitting and chanting mantras. A man ironing wall hangings, while listening to old 90’s bollywood songs is the most beautiful moment you can witness there.
I find myself entering the famous Ama Cafe, which I couldn’t visit the last time as it was under construction. ‘Table No. 7, 3rd Floor’, a steward said. The table had a reservation sign. While ordering, my eyes went to a book shelf, with so many diverse books from Houses and Gardens by Lutyens to the Art of Happiness by His Holiness Dalai Lama. Dilli always has something happy for me. I walk down and it’s around 3pm.
Before leaving, I turned the monastery prayer wheels, praying for the prosperity and well-being of all. Look, now the street is full with sneaker enthusiasts, monks, college students with cheerful chatter and content faces. It feels like life is back in these small alleys.
There’s light for some, some are hoping for light. Some are waiting for Laphing, some for butter tea and some for Dilli’s most delicious momos. And I’m waiting for the mountains to call me. Oh dear Dilli, what has happened to your coolness...
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