The cup that cheers

Vishaka Lama, SNS, 26 November, 2015: There is nothing more enjoyable than scuttling between abundant tea gardens, enjoying the pleasing Toy Train rides and taking relaxed walks along the narrow, bustling streets of Darjeeling. It's the ideal place for one to escape the stress of city life.

Equality of men and women, which is yet a dream for the rest of India, is a striking reality in Darjeeling. Apart from being a courteous wife, they help out in various works like plucking tea leaves, fetching water from far places and most surprisingly they take part in construction of roads too. Children at home enjoy a good time with their grandparents.

The fruits are so abundant in hills, 'Bhogote' a common round plum is used as a football by them. As the child grows up, they mostly prefer to go for army. Education and employment opportunities are really few that after schooling it's really hard to endure.

Men at the same time struggle to earn their bread by working in fields and tea factories.

Teesta Valley Tea Estate, Galle Tea Estate and a few more are the factories that are very popular for high quality black and green teas. Teesta Valley with the elevation of slopes ranging from 2500-6500 feet, and among one of the highest elevation gardens in Darjeeling. Picking of tea leaves (a terminal bud and two young leaves) is done by hands.

The 'doko' a handmade basket is filled with tea leaves and is taken to the factory. After bringing it here it is the work of men to proceed with the making of tea. It is then placed in the long row of withering machine under 80° temp. to soak out all the moisture.

Next day it is forwarded to the rolling machine under the same 80° temp. for 25 minutes. After the rolling process, it is taken to the formatting machine where it is cooled down for three hours. After cooling, tryer machine (heater) cooks them under 230-240 temperature for 20 mins of runway. Finally it goes for measuring and cutting section where it is measured and ranked as per the quality of the tea. It costs somewhere around Rs 5000/- to Rs 8000/- per kg. It is then sent to Siliguri from where it goes to Kolkata for trade and business.

Right from the growing of tea plants to the outcome of the luscious tea, the local people do not get the opportunity to take a sip, which is very sad.

The culture of Darjeeling is quite diverse and unique. There are many fascinating stories of the hills spirit. 'Raage bhoot', a common fire spirit, has never failed to amuse the tourists. After a long day journey, momo and thuppa, a traditional dish of hills will bring bliss to one's heart and soul. One of the spices that tourists are usually unaware of is 'dolle khorsaane' (a chilli) which is extremely spicy and hot. 'Titora' and 'iskus' are the common favourite dishes that the locals enjoy every day.

Life here in the hills is peaceful and slow. One can enjoy a tranquil time. But at the same time for the adventure seekers, it's a place of great fun and enjoyment. One can go for mountain climbing, river rafting and bungee jumping. For those with a penchant for spirituality, discovering ancient monasteries and temples will bring immense pleasure.

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Standing on top of a mountain, you feel like touching the sky. The close view of the night sky filled with a millions stars will take the wind out of your sails. One can never forget the jaw-dropping moments of the beauty of Darjeeling.