Preparing for the Mid Winter day

It is a big day for all of us. It will probably never come in our lives again. The Mid- Winter day is on 21st June on the day of the winter solstice. It is a unique 'festival' because it is the only 'festival' that is celebrated in permanent stations all over Antarctica irrespective of nationality. It is also the only 'festival' that is celebrated probably exclusively in Antarctica. Once out of this place, we will probably never celebrate it. Good wishes are pouring in from the previous winter team members.

Another reason why we a eagerly awaiting this day is that the members of the Russian team from the nearby Russian Antarctic Base, Novolazarevskaya are coming over for the celebrations. We will return the visit on 22nd June. So it promises to be a gala event. The preparations are well underway. All members have been assigned tasks, the station is being spruced up, cultural events and games are being planned for the day, sofa covers are being changed, menu is being planned, the carpets have been change, new utensils are being taken out and there is an excitement all around that was missing for so long, replaced by the general gloom that invades all of Antarctica during the polar nights. There are arguments and counter- arguments all day. We are having guests after what seems like eternity. So people have suddenly discovered the joys of grooming. Gone is the unkempt, unshaven look, the shabby clothes that were last washed 6 months back. Good clothes are being washed and ironed, shoes are being polished. Finally, Maitri looks like a human civilization again after a long long time.

I have been assigned with the task of preparing the certificates for the occasion and taking photographs for the same. People are coming up with strange poses and clothes for that purpose. A slightest wrinkle on the face or on the clothes is regarded with great disdain. I am being hounded all over the station. After taking hundreds of photographs, we have narrowed down to 26, one for each member. This promises to be a memorable event.