EVEN though winters in Karachi are mild and gentle compared to elsewhere in the country, they are welcomed. One theory goes that the collective temperament and psyche of Karachiites would be much better if winter had a longer stay. How cold should winter be, is a matter of argument. People would be pleasant, less tense, if not completely relaxed, and the urban hectic rhythm would be that much more bearable.

To the twin sources of most of our city’s woes, power and water shortages, one could add traffic jams, especially when caused by the heightened security measures put into place when VVIPs are in the city. In winter, which has finally made its presence felt (in the bones also) these are possibly of no significance. A power failure or a water shortage proves futile, in a sense. Winter days and nights unfold, a degree of mirth and festivity, and an overall feeling of well being that is reflected in an impressive range cultural activity that spreads itself out, as an interesting contrast to what is happening on the political front in the country.

Winter means nothing to the affluent who pass it in style and cosy comfort, and relish life's bounties in abundance. It is the not -so-affluent, the poor and the deprived that face the bite of the chilling weather. Trust me woollen wear, blankets and quilts have become more expensive with each passing year, and so are the nutritious meals needed to stay upright in this most testing of seasons.

When it rained last Sunday and the cold wet weather continued the next day also, one Karachiite said it was a rather rude and abrupt beginning to the winter. He said the rains normally come in the middle of the season, this time it has come at the beginning of December. All of last week, has been awfully cold which forced Karachiites to hurriedly bring out their winter wear, blankets and quilts out of storage.

One familiar face of winter is the steaming spicy chicken soup sold on pushcarts, many fondly call it “awami” soup. It has its long standing, devoted, militant supporters, who swear they believe in the purity of the preparation, that the chicken is real, and changed frequently by the soupwala. The critics believe the chicken is changed once a week, if at all! Regardless, at the "awami" price, and with an egg, there is nothing to beat the offering. The next best option in this category is the Chinese chicken corn soup, but that is another price slot, and even though it is sold at umpteen places in the city. Karachi's winters have their constants and variables. And one such constant is the sudden rush to buy winter wear. While there are those who seek the best, and explore the well-stocked ready made outlets for the latest designs, the contrast is how the less fortunate buy their woollies.

The traditional Landa Baazar still located near the KMC head office, has spread this culture to almost all parts of the city, said one Karachiite who supports this source of warm clothes. He told me there were several residential and commercial areas in the city where warm clothes are being sold on pushcarts.

Winter 2006 has also brought back the wedding season, which is in full swing. With marriage meals revived once again, there is a return of the attraction that menus have at mehndis, weddings, and valimas.

This winter, apart from the nostalgia that is evoked by the slowing down of the pace of daily living, and the seasonal quietness that descends into our lives, there will be the traditional fervour of Eidul Azha. Depending upon the sighting of the Zilhaj moon, Eidul Azha should be celebrated either on 31st December, or New Year's Day. It is sure to be an interesting situation and an exciting weekend."

Winter also reminds us that it is the end of another year in our lives. This implies it is time for stock taking, for recollection, and reflection, A time for reviewing the year, 2006, on an evening when the weather gets you down!