Aromas of Nostalgia

Isn't it strange how  certain smells become a part of your being and any time, you even remotely encounter them, you pause by for a moment and recollect moments that bring back memoirs of time when growing up was all about us basking in the simplest pleasures of childhood.

The heady lingering smell of the Mysore sandal talc, that my mum has been using for ages now, its sweet, warm, rich, woody persistent whiff gives me a sense of comfort and belongingness, almost like a cozy hug. The smell of the earth following the first rain of the season - so invigorating and so full of hope. 

The divine aroma of freshly made sandalwood paste,  kumkum, incense sticks leaving out scented wavy fumes as they dissipate in the air as they burn, camphor, diyas burning in ghee, chrysanthemums and marigolds inside the temples that make the whole environment so serenely beautiful, reminds me of those childhood times when sister and I along with mum visit the Ayyappan temple nearby our home every evening as a daily ritual. 

The smell of books, I love rustling through the pages of new books and breathing in deep into its aroma. I don't if many do but I  love the pungent chemical smell of petrol for it reminds me of those days I used to accompany my dad to the petrol station to get our bike tank filled.  

The smell of hot oil in which fluffy pooris are being fried till golden brown, the smell of pastry straight out of oven always reminds me of coming home to fresh bakes. The smell of washed line dried crisp clothes that encompasses the whole of summer and childhood in each wonderful breath.

The mystifying floral fragrance of tree jasmine that makes me reminisce playful and worry less school days during monsoon, the waxy sweetness of a new box of crayons - exactly how my nose knew it was the first day of school, I loved watching my mom’s winter regime which always ended with, her slathering Pond’s cold cream on her face every night before going to bed. I can still recall the clean, strong, flowery smell, deeply refreshing and satisfying.

Masala chai that carries nostalgic memories as if the past has infused itself into the drink. The warm, sweet, milky tea laced with aromatic spices and ginger brings back memories of cozy and lazy winter mornings and long chats on rainy holiday afternoons. The heavenly waft that's imminent from melt in the mouth ghee laden sweets holds the promise of extravagant delights and festive banquets. The smell of chalk on a blackboard have always transported me to my early school days. The aromas from our very own kitchen's masala box is another treasured smell. The zingy cumin , sweetness of cinnamon , oomph from those murky mustard seeds, intense smell of peppercorns , robustic flavours from the bay leaves , the punch of garam masala and spiciness of chillies that evoke a sense of home , comfort and delight which is just so Indian. 

Rainy evenings ushered in the spicy aroma of onion, plantain and aloo pakoras sizzling in hot oil brings a smell that warms your belly and soul, pleases the olfactory and salivary glands alike. The smell of tadka, as the spices hit the smoking oil is so satisfying to the soul that reminds me of being welcomed home after a long day and of wonders that are homemade. 

Aromas are so distinct, so humdrum and so meek. 

As an adult, it's overwhelming to be taken aback to those moments, reliving the happiest and most cherished parts of life through memories and the fragrances I associate with them. I believe all of us have this tiny bundle tucked in somewhere that takes a teeny tiny bit of sniff of all these aromas and fastens them in cautiously. On some days, the bundle presents you a peep into it and you lazing in your pyjamas, sifting through profuse memories while the pleasant aromas of nostalgia take over.