“Hey, summer time,” every child in every generation shouts. This is the familiar excitement heard in many homes—then and now.
The summer months typically arrive from June to August, though they vary slightly across geographical locations.
In our childhood years, we travelled to Kerala by train once every three years during the summer. Each year, my father could not afford to take us, as he was the sole breadwinner.
The food we carried was delicious—idlis wrapped with Milakai podi, lemon rice, and curd rice with that special “tadka.” The train journey lasted for long hours, but it was fun as we siblings were together.
Once we reached Nani’s house, we ran around her huge home. There was a big swing, and we enjoyed swinging on it. There were many trees—mango, banana, and guava. We used to climb trees to pluck mangoes and throw them onto a bedsheet held by our cousins. We would then rush to the terrace to wash and enjoy those mangoes. What a feeling it was to relish those juicy fruits on hot summer days!
In the evenings, we spent time playing around the house and in the big courtyard. There were no televisions in those years, so we enjoyed many indoor games. Afternoons were spent playing together in our room.
Oh! How can I forget the dishes prepared by our Nani? Authentic South Indian meals—hot idlis, sambar, chutneys, and upma for breakfast. We enjoyed eating everything on banana leaves. It was a taste we could never experience in Bombay.
The visit to temples was another beautiful experience. The village people participated in pujas so sincerely and helped voluntarily. We enjoyed the delicious prasad prepared on different days, morning and evening.
When the time came to return to Bombay, we were all sad and promised Nani and Mama that we would return again during the summer.
In Bombay, summer meant watching movies in theatres, enjoying pani puris, ice creams, sugarcane juice, and the famous gola with colourful syrups. That cooling sensation in the scorching heat was unforgettable.
In those years, we enjoyed summer in such simple ways and still felt deeply happy.
Development is essential in every generation. Interests and lifestyles naturally change over time.
As the economy improved, many people began working and planning better vacations. Families became nuclear, with one or two children, and summer trips were planned well in advance—deciding destinations, duration, and essentials.
There are also many clubs and memberships, such as Club Mahindra and others. Not everyone can afford them, but those who do often enjoy well-planned resort vacations. We were fortunate to visit a few Club Mahindra resorts with our children and grandchildren in our later years—it is indeed a wonderful experience.
Many people love visiting hill stations during summer. In North India, places like Shimla, Kashmir, Manali, Kasauli, and Amritsar are popular. In South India, destinations like Ooty, Munnar, and Coonoor attract families as well.
But what about those who cannot afford luxurious vacations? They still find joy in simple ways—visiting local parks, beaches, or enjoying street food nearby. Children play cricket, hide and seek, and enjoy the outdoors just as happily.
To enjoy summer, a big bank account or luxury membership is not necessary.
Of course, who wouldn’t love a beautiful resort vacation to relax from daily routine stress?
Today, life has become more complex, even though development has advanced worldwide. Many people now travel to countries like the Maldives and enjoy luxury holidays.
Ultimately, it depends on individual choice—how one wants to spend their summer. Some prefer travel, while others prefer staying home and spending peaceful time with family.
As time moves forward, the present Gen Z may discover even newer and more exciting ways to enjoy summer vacations.
Image Courtesy:https://www.pexels.com/@rohit-sharma-1230131/
If this journey through past and present summer memories resonated with you, share your own summer stories in the comments below.
– Poornima Sivaraman
About The Writer:
Poornima Sivaraman is a vibrant 75-year-young retired teacher with a lifelong passion for creativity and connecting with people of all ages. A long-time blogger and now the proud author of “My Collection of Stories for Children”, she launched the book on her 75th birthday in June 2025. The collection of 15 moral-value stories has received warm appreciation and positive reviews on Amazon.
Poornima writes for multiple platforms, contributes to anthologies, and enjoys sharing her unique perspectives with readers. Beyond writing, she sings on Star Maker, loves cooking, and believes in living a simple, meaningful life. As a storyteller and Awareness Ambassador with the Spectrum Group, she continues to inspire others through kindness, positivity, and her enduring creative spirit.
