It said “The grass is always greener when you’re on a picnic with your besties.”
One fine winter morning, BinB members decided to have a morning drive with a delightful picnic far away from the city’s hustle and bustle in a farmhouse amidst the rolling green hills and blooming wildflowers.
Soon the dates were decided and the farmhouse was booked kids packed their bags and we got all set for the BINB Picnic.
Finally, on Saturday 11th Feb,23 morning with all the excitement filling the air, all my friends gathered at a point and drove together 60 km in a convoy of 20 cars and with their picnic baskets towards our destination Prakruti Farms.
The sun shone brightly in the clear blue sky, and a gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of freshly cut grass through the air and the convoy of cars drove together towards the farmhouse we had chosen away from the outskirts of the city.
And within hours’ time, we reached our destination which was surrounded by lush green trees and fruit plantations and it seemed for a moment that everything had gone green, for everywhere we looked we could see greenery.
The farmhouse was quite huge and seemed pretty spacious. We went up the steps leading to the front door and pushed it open. A friendly sight of nature greeted us. We were a group of family and friends all laughing and talking among themselves. The farmhouse certainly looked inviting. After spending some time there, we went out, enjoying the sun on our faces and the cool breeze going around.
We spread out our picnic mats on the grass and brought out our picnic baskets. The children around us were either playing badminton or simply running around while the adults were relaxing. We played a few games and spent the rest of the time talking and we even made some new friends.
Though this farmhouse had none of the modern facilities, we felt it was the perfect place to relax, destress, forget our worries for once, reconnect with our family and friends and most importantly, enjoy ourselves.
Oh! Butterflies are flying in our stomachs, but why?
The aroma of steaming rice, fragrant bong spices, and freshly caught fish filled the air as they prepared a sumptuous feast. All of us eagerly indulged in the delightful array of dishes, savoring each bite with immense pleasure. The flavors of mustard, turmeric, and aromatic spices danced on their tongues, reminding them of their cultural heritage and as we feasted, we also shared stories, laughter, and cherished memories.
After the hearty meal, all of us explored the farmhouse grounds, the honey bee cultivation aka Apiculture, fruit plantations, and taking in the breathtaking sights and sounds of nature. We all strolled through the blooming gardens, marveling at the vibrant colors of the flowers. We visited the fish ponds, where kids fed the playful fish, their shimmering scales reflecting the golden rays of the sun.
Post the exploration kids played traditional games like “Kho-Kho” and “Kabaddi,” their excitement filling the air and then even joined their adults in a joyous dance to the rhythmic beats of famous Bengali music Tumpa Shona, Ekta humpi dena!
As the day waned, all of us found solace near a serene pond, its surface glistening in the sunset light. We all sat in quiet reflection, appreciating the tranquillity and the simple beauty of the surroundings with some photo shoots.
Reluctantly, but with hearts brimming with contentment, the BinB family packed their belongings and bid farewell to the farmhouse. As they journeyed back home, all carried with them the warmth of family togetherness and the flavors of Bengali cuisine that would linger in their memories for another year to come.
And so, the BinB picnic in the farmhouse became a cherished tradition for the Bengali family, a celebration of their culture, love, and the vibrant spirit that bound them together. We all looked forward to future picnics, knowing that these moments of joy and connection would forever nourish their souls and strengthen their bond.
“Nature is the best therapy, and a picnic is a perfect way to enjoy it.”
