Why the monsoon festival lands on Independence Day
The smell arrives before the rain does: wet मिट्टी, or earth after the first touch of the monsoon. And with it comes a whole North Indian mood, green glass bangles clinking, swings tied to neem branches, mehendi darkening on palms, and songs for Parvati rising from courtyards and apartment balconies alike. Hariyali Teej belongs to…