courtesy: DSworld'sland
Calcutta is in the grip of a cold spell the likes of which have not been seen for more than a century.
The denizens who are not used to such temperatures, are having a hard time finding proper clothing to contrast the cold spell.
Most of the Indian subcontinent is known for extremely high temperatures. All efforts and expedients are aimed at ameliorating the conditions of the extended summer season. Not too many however are prepared for this.
The temperature has in fact plummeted to 48 Fahrenheit. It might not sound like much to people who live in temperate to cold climates, but for a place where temperature easily surpass the 100 degree mark, it is almost too much to bear.
It has prompted the population to wearing outfits and attire that would be unthinkable at such temperatures anywhere else: the monkey cap and earmuffs to boot.
These are the kind of things people wear when the temperatures are below zero. But in India, the temperatures they are experiencing prompts a veritable surge of preoccupation that if not properly bundled up, one might catch one's death.
Many are even wearing scarves, so that communication is to say the least, impeded. Another sign that the cold weather is not well taken by Calcutta's citizens is a veritable halt of any pre-dawn activity. If one asks what's the delay, one would be met with a scoff, since anyone should know that going out in such cold is unthinkable.
The streets at night are also almost deserted, something unthinkable during balmier weather.
But that's what winter means to Calcutta, especially one in which temperatures have reached remarkably close to zero.
Source: BBC 3.4.13
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