How I spent my winter holidays!

By Shruti Pandey

Whenever I look back in time, I remember the days and the moments I spent in school and at home during winter vacations. School life is a pivotal period that shapes individuals both academically and personally. The bustling corridors, vibrant classrooms, and the camaraderie among students create an environment rich with learning and social experiences. However, amidst the rigors of academic pursuits, holidays provide a welcome respite. They offer us a chance to relax, learn new hobbies, be creative, and explore the unexplored.

This year has been amazing. It’s December now and we are towards the end of this year. My winter vacation started on the 24^th of December 2023. The school would reopen on 5^th Jan 2024. No matter how we spend our vacations, whether, at home or travelling, we always get to learn new things from it.  Maximizing productivity during vacations involves striking a balance between relaxation and purposeful activities. By blending purposeful tasks with moments of relaxation, vacations can become a fulfilling and rejuvenating time for personal growth and well-being. This year, I majorly spent my vacations at home.

Since my vacation started in late December, one fine Saturday, I woke up early in the morning in full spirits. We were going to Nashik to my maternal uncle’s house. Nashik is known for its historical and cultural significance. Situated on the banks of river Godavari, it is a major pilgrimage site with numerous temples.

It is also well known for its wine industry which contributes to its identity as “The Wine Capital of India”. The city blends ancient charm with modern development, offering a vibrant atmosphere and serving as a gateway to the scenic western Ghats. We went there by car and it took us about 5 hours to get there.

A close friend of mine was also living in Nashik only, so I went to visit her. We played a lot of games and had fun together.

The next day, I and my family went to “Saptshrungi temple” to seek blessings from the goddess. The temple is a significant pilgrimage site situated in the Saptshrungi hills, it is dedicated to goddess Saptshrungi Nivasini, an incarnation of goddess Durga. The temple is named after the seven peaks that surround it.

It is not only a pilgrimage site but also offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It attracts devotees and tourists alike due to its cultural, historical, and spiritual significance. There are two ways through which we can reach the temple. By climbing a series of steps or by going through the ropeway, which is a newly added technology.

Every day, thousands of devotees visit the temple, so we have to stand in long queues to get the sight of the goddess.

We went by ropeway. It is a funicular trolley that enables pilgrims to get to the top situated 1400 meters above in just 3 minutes. It travels at an angle of 36 degrees. There are two air-conditioned trolleys with a maximum capacity of 60 passengers. This was the most interesting part of the entire journey. After reaching at the top, I saw the majestic representation of the goddess Saptshrungi, carved with exquisite detail, the idol exudes a divine aura, standing tall and adorned with intricate ornaments.

The goddess is depicted with multiple arms each holding symbolic objects, signifying her cosmic power. According to Hindu mythology, the Saptshrungi temple is associated with the legend of Mahishasura Mardini. The tale recounts the fierce battle between the goddess and the demon Mahishasura. The temple is believed to be the place where she rested after her victory, and it has since become a revered pilgrimage site. The story symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.

We reached home at night, had dinner, and slept to energize ourselves for the next day. It was Christmas and also my uncle’s birthday. Firstly, we went to another temple ‘Somnath temple’ which also has a small amusement park. We did two boat rides there, one with a rowing boat and another one with a jet ski. In the evening, we brought two cakes and celebrated the birthday with full excitement and then went to a restaurant to have dinner.

The next day, we had to leave for Mumbai, I missed the moments we spent together, laughing and having fun. For the rest of the vacations, I spent at my home. I was studying for final examinations that will start in mid- February. Also, I have got some interesting projects to complete during the vacation. I am trying my best to utilize these vacations to do something productive and learn something new. I have started learning French this year, and I hope to learn many other things in the coming year.

Embrace the new year as a blank canvas, and let the strokes of learning paint a masterpiece of growth. During winter vacation, let the cold be a reminder to warm your spirits with moments of joy, self-discovery, and rejuvenation. As the frosty air settles around, let it be a catalyst for personal growth and motivation. Embrace the hibernation season not just as a break but as an opportunity to recharge, refocus, and emerge with renewed energy for the challenges that await in the coming year.