Seasons in the City: Anuradha Jain on Mapping Delhi Through Trees and Time

What if the city you rush through every day is actually alive, with seasons, stories, and sacred rhythms waiting to be noticed?

In this soul-stirring episode, Mohua sits down with Anuradha Jain, author of Delhi: A Nature Journal. From the blooming of seasonal flowers to the return of sparrows in balconies, their conversation is a gentle reminder that nature is not somewhere else, it’s right here, if only we slow down.

Anuradha shares how Indian festivals are more than cultural markers, they’re also ecological signposts, rooted in seasonal change. She talks about local trees, how to care for birds in an urban jungle, and how the flowering of a single tree can announce the turn of a season.

Together, Mohua and Anuradha reminisce about their own memories of the house sparrow, and reflect on the emotional intelligence that comes from observing the natural world. If you’ve ever longed to feel rooted in a city, or to find the sacred in the everyday, this episode is your invitation to pause, notice, and reconnect.

Key Topics Covered:

• Anuradha’s deep connection with Delhi and how she began noticing its ecological rhythms.
• The role of nature journals in slowing down and observing the urban environment.
• Indian festivals like Basant Panchami and Lodhi as seasonal markers in the natural calendar.
• Mohua’s memories of Durga Puja and the sight of blossoming shuli flowers.
• Birds as co-inhabitants of the city—and how to care for them through food, water, and nesting spaces.
• The changing urban landscape and its impact on biodiversity.
• Personal memories tied to plants, flowers, and bird calls from childhood.
• The need for conscious ecological living, even in concrete cities.
• How ‘Delhi: A Nature Journal’ blends storytelling, science, and mindfulness.

Connect with Us

Mohua Chinappa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohua-chinappa/

The Mohua Show: https://www.themohuashow.com/

Connect with Anuradha Jain

Anuradha Jain: https://www.instagram.com/anuradhakjain/

Follow Us

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMohuaShow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/themohuashow/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themohuashow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themohuashow/

For any other queries EMAIL

hello@themohuashow.com

Chapters:

00:00 Highlights

00:56 Introduction to Anuradha Jain and Her Work

03:38 Inspiration Behind A Nature Journal

05:40 Observing Nature in Urban Delhi

06:58 The Role of Seasons in Delhi's Landscape

08:38 Birdwatching and Its Significance

09:57 Illustrations Reflecting the Journal

11:36 Music & Nature Intersection

12:49 Less Well Spots in Delhi

13:46 Festivals and Their Connection to Nature

17:01 Contrast Between Delhi & Chandigarh Nature

18:50 Reconnecting with Nature

20:50 Future Projects and Closing Thoughts

Disclaimer

The views expressed by our guests are their own. We do not endorse and are not responsible for any views expressed by our guests on our podcast and its associated platforms.

#TheMohuaShow #MohuaChinappa #Bookstagram #Literature #Podcast #PublishingIndustry #Paperback #Library #Books

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.