When
Shefali Shah finally stood beneath the Arctic sky, watching the Northern Lights ripple and dance overhead, she didn’t try to explain them. In fact, seeing the pictures, we too guessed that it wasn’t required, as it can only be felt. Some experiences, she felt, lose their power the moment we reduce them to science, logic, or Google searches. The Aurora Borealis, for her, belonged to that rare category of wonder that leaves you silent, teary-eyed, and deeply humbled.
Shah first saw the lights briefly in Tromsø, but it was in Saariselkä that the sky truly came alive. There, the aurora didn’t just glow—it danced. She stood frozen in the cold, crying, overwhelmed, and grateful, aware that she was nothing more than a lucky spectator to a miracle unfolding above her.
Instead of romanticising the journey with polished travel clichés, Shah chose honesty, and a slight pinch of humour. Along with her reflections, she shared 18 unfiltered reminders, equal parts wisdom, survival manual, and comic relief that perfectly capture what it really takes to enjoy the Northern Lights without illusions.
18 things Shefali Shah says you must remember while chasing the Northern Lights
It’s not love that’ll keep you warm, it’s the thermals.
Don’t ditch the ever-loyal theplas.
Black ice is bad ice. You will fall, and so will all your things—unless you have Kali’s hands to juggle gloves, phone, beanie, scarf, etc.
Chiffon sarees are great in Yash Raj films, not in reality, unless you’re fine with losing fingers and toes.
Do not underestimate the cold. Here, less is not more. More is less—so keep layering. You may manage to squeeze 64 layers of thermals under your jacket.
I don’t know who these people are who look stylish in winter wear. It’s definitely not me.
You can be sharply dressed or be warm and alive. I chose the latter.
Snow pants aren’t for style; they’re for keeping your ass from getting wet. Wear them.
Keep three hours aside for wearing one outfit. Between layering, dropping things, stopping to breathe, tying shoelaces, wearing gloves, removing gloves, and then realising you forgot the innermost thermal—three hours is optimistic.
If you missed taking pictures of yourself against fjords, mountains, snowlands, or auroras, claim others’ photos (taken from the back) as yours. Everyone looks the same.
All that matters is the inner and outermost layers. Everything in between is “dil ko behelane ke liye Ghalib, yeh khayal acha hai.”
If you have snow shoes from the 1900s, wear them before the trip—to the gym, office, anywhere. Otherwise, expect to be shoe “sole-less” and emotionally “soul-less.”
Heeled boots are sexy. Frumpy is alive. Your choice.
Santa does not wear his red suit when working from home, in case you can’t recognise him.
When you dive with orcas, they won’t kill you. Hypothermia might—but the experience is worth it.
The Aurora Borealis is probably the only natural phenomenon that looks better through the camera.
Each snowflake is unique and beautiful. Like each one of us.
This is a magical world. Surrender.
Taken together, Shah’s reflections and reminders feel less like a checklist and more like a gentle nudge: go prepared, laugh at yourself, let go of vanity, and allow the universe to surprise you. The Northern Lights aren’t just something you see, they’re something you feel. And sometimes, the best way to experience that magic is to stand still, stay warm, and simply surrender.
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