It was the middle of April. I had a chance to go to my village. The fields for miles around were full of yellow ripened crop of wheat. The fields waved in the gentle breeze. The air was full of peculiar scent. The scenery all round was most picturesque. The farmer’s joy knew no bounds. He sang and danced with joy at the sight of a bumper crop.
The next day was the harvesting day. There was bustle and activity on all sides. The farmers with sickles and scythes in their hands set out to reap the ripe crop. They sang and danced to the beating of drums. They were mad with joy.
They sat in a line at one end of the field. They reaped and reaped till it was noon. The drummers went on beating the drums. At noon they stopped. They rested for a while and had their lunch. It consisted of chapaties with glassfuls of clarified butter and country-sugar.
After a little nap, they again set to work. They vied with one another in the output of their work. They were so happy at the prospect of a rich harvest that they knew no fatigue. They toiled from morn till night yet never felt bored.
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As the sun set, the harvested crop was bound into sheaves. They were carried and stored in a safe place. The harvesting went on for a number of days. The farmers were very generous of hand. They gave freely to all who came to them for a handful of stalks. They were intensely happy at the fruit of their honest and diligent labour. They did not send away anybody empty-handed. They obliged one and all whether water-men, labourers, menials or beggars.
The harvesting time is a hectic time for the farmers. They are busy day and night. They know no rest. All hands are required. All young, and old men and women, are put to the job. There is a race against time. The harvest must be brought home in the shortest possible time for who knows the rains may come and spoil the whole show. The farmers bend all their energies to the task to avoid all risks. A harvesting scene is a rare scene. It is indeed a sight to see the farmers singing and dancing out of spontaneous joy.