Rameshinder Singh Sandhu, an Amritsar-based freelance journalist, recalls sleeping under the stars during his school days in the 1990s at his maternal grandparents' home in Butala village near Amritsar. The most vivid memory from those carefree summer vacations is the peaceful nights spent outdoors with his younger brother.
Setting Up the Nightly Sleep Area
Like many families in the neighbourhood, they would carry their manje (charpoys) to the rooftop or into the spacious courtyard. Before laying out the beds, they sprinkled water on the ground to cool the floor and, on exceptionally hot nights, switched on the noisy desert cooler. The children enjoyed helping their grandmother arrange the beds, using skills learned at boarding school. They ensured the water jug and glasses were placed within easy reach.
Evening Rituals and Family Bonding
Almost every evening, a cheerful aunt from the adjoining house would begin chatting from her rooftop, sharing amusing accounts of the day's happenings. Some evenings required putting up mosquito nets, and occasionally a sudden shower would send everyone racing indoors. Once tucked into bed, silence spoke its own language. The glittering canopy of stars and the soothing glow of the moon wrapped them in serenity while the cool night breeze gently caressed them.
Every night, their grandmother narrated captivating stories, some drawn from her own childhood and college days. Many left them laughing, while others quietly stirred their imagination. She often concluded with a round of general knowledge questions or playful Punjabi word puzzles. Amid their animated conversations, their grandfather would eventually interject in his gentle voice: “When will you all go to sleep?”
The Magic of Starry Nights
Sometimes they drifted off in the middle of a story, only to ask their Naniji the following evening to repeat the parts they had missed. On certain nights, the author happily embraced being a night owl. He loved gazing at the star-studded sky. Every now and then, he would spot a shooting star, prompting him to make a wish. The blinking lights of passing aircraft filled him with curiosity, making him wonder where they had come from and where they were headed. Looking back, he remains grateful that mobile phones and digital distractions had not yet entered their lives. They allowed them to remain fully present and cherish every moment.
Mornings in the Village
Their mornings were also amazing. They woke not only with the sunrise but also with the Gurbani emanating from the village gurdwara's loudspeaker. They felt refreshed, rejuvenated and ready for another day of summer adventures.
Unforgettable Experience vs Modern Luxury
Today, luxury hotels across the world offer outdoor sleeping as a premium attraction. Yet, no five-star resort — and not even modern, luxurious homes — can recreate the magic the author and his brother experienced, along with countless others of their generation. Those unforgettable nights were illuminated not only by the stars but also by the warmth, simplicity and unconditional love of the elders around them.
