Krishna (Spring in Kulu) by Nicholas Roerich and Darling Coffee by Meena Alexander

This week in Daak:

1. Krishna (Spring in Kulu) by Nicholas Roerich

2. Darling Coffee by Meena Alexander

3. Spring Fragrances

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1. Krishna (Spring in Kullu) by Nicholas Roerich, 1930

If you’ve ever felt a strange, stubborn urge to travel to a place you have no claims over, you’ll relate to the story of Nicholas Reorich, the Russian polymath who left his life behind in search of a utopia in the Himalayas. His expedition, which began in 1923, not only led to incredible (almost spiritual!) paintings of the Himalayas, such as this one, but also the discovery of many peaks and archeological artifacts and manuscripts buried in the silent bosom of the mountains. In a letter written in 1926, he said, “I make a deep bow to Indian Teachers. They brought true creativity, spiritual joy and meaningful silence into the chaos of our lives. They called to us in times of dire need. Their call was calm, persuasive, and full of wisdom.”

2. Darling Coffee by Meena Alexander

The periodic pleasure
of small happenings
is upon us—
behind the stalls
at the farmer’s market
snow glinting in heaps,
a cardinal its chest
puffed out, bloodshod
above the piles of awnings,
passion’s proclivities;
you picking up a sweet potato
turning to me  ‘This too?’—
query of tenderness
under the blown red wing.
Remember the brazen world?
Let’s find a room
with a window onto elms
strung with sunlight,
a cafe with polished cups,
darling coffee they call it,
may our bed be stoked
with fresh cut rosemary
and glinting thyme,
all herbs in due season
tucked under wild sheets:
fit for the conjugation of joy.

This sensual and verdant poem is a reminder of the thrills of ordinary pleasures — especially the textures, sounds, sights and smells that provide a refuge from the brazen world. The fact that Alexander recognizes the periodicity of these pleasures is also telling; whether we notice them or not, they exist and are there for the taking. So, let’s take some time today to romanticize the mundane, and create a Spring within the confines of our reality.

3. Spring Fragrances

In case the theme of this newsletter isn’t completely evident — it’s the abundance of Spring! Try our seasonal itr (natural and organic fragrances made from essential oils) and especially the Ruh-e-Gulab (the scent of a Rose) and It- e-Chameli, (the fragrance of Jasmine).