Surprisingly winter came a little early this year, and needless to say, we are loving it! After the long hot (sweaty) summers for the past many years, winter in Pakistan comes as a refreshing blast of thandi thandi huawayen, we switch off our aircons, and breathe in the naturally cool gust of breeze! This year, temperatures have fallen more than usual, which is probably why we’re loving it, and why not? Aur Karachi ki Sardiyon ka alag he maza hai. It’s not too cold, but just cold enough to wear that leather jacket that’s been hanging in your wardrobe all year.
Below are some of the things we found charming about Karachi ki sardiyan
1. Chilly evenings at dhabas
The trend of hanging out at Chai dhabas has yet to fizzle out. People of all ages can be found at these dhabas especially on a perfectly chilly winter night, taking in the thandi thandi hawaaein with their shawls serving as a wind breaker, and their teeth chattering to stay warm, enjoying a garam cup of chai in between flavourful bites of freshly baked qeema naan, or light snacks chatting away with family or friends, seated along the roadside without a care in the world – wow, could you wish for more?
2. The Magic of Bonfires
Bonfires are always a fun way to do something different with friends. Sitting around a crackling fire, sharing horror stories or perhaps bachpan kay qissay kahaniyan, listening to mellow music or singing along with that ek dost jisko singer ban jana chaye tha is just magical, not to mention watching a beautiful sunset in the background for those haseen pictures – what more do you need on a cosy winter evening?
3. Breakfast Anyone?
Don’t you just love having halwa puri or parathas early Sunday morning with your whole khandaan after a sleepover at Nani’s house? With everyone bundled up in their shawls and sweaters, sitting together on the takhts, drowsy, yet chattering and endlessly munching away, drinking thandi Pepsi vs garam chai debate at the famous Dera or Baithak at Boat Basin.
4. The BBQ Weekends
BBQ’s are always a lively experience, especially if you’re the host. Thakan tou bohat hoti hai, but the memories made are totally worth it! Windy weekend nights spent in the garden or on the rooftop, with everyone running around trying to figure out ke koyle kaise jalengay, fanning the flames and eventually taking that first smouldering bite of Seekh Kebabs and Chicken Tikkay not to mention over-ordering parathay and devouring everything in minutes, is exactly what memories are made of!
5. Cold Wind and Sandy Toes
Sardiyon mai subha Seaview na jaen? Aisa hou he nahi sakta! Post nashta horse/ camel ride is absolutely zaroori and if you’re feeling really brave, then dipping your toes in the icy cold water is a must. Pair that with a steaming cup of chai on the beach just adds on to the experience.
Winter in Pakistan has its own essence, especially for our chai loving nation – How we love snuggling deep inside a razai in bed or on the living room couch, binge-watching our favorite shows and binge-eating our favorite snacks – moong phallis, badaam and chilgozay and sipping on Kashmiri Chai, hot chocolate or coffee. So don’t let the weather slip by before you cover all 5 winter moments above! Because this won’t happen again till next December!
