Exhilarating Monsoons  

Make way for the thumping thundering clouds, monsoons are here! The curtain of rain comes falling on the parched earth taking away the scorching and the sultry weather. The invigorating aroma of the rain-drenched earth breathes life into us. Rain-soaked plants and trees appear anew; even mother earth’s thirst is quenched. The soft gratifying scent of the satinwood fills the air. Falling raindrops and the fragrance of wet earth have a sense of romantic aura, which has inspired many a poet. Meghdoot by  Kalidasa is a classic case in point. Tagore, an epitome of literature, art, and culture has written many a poem on the bounty of this season.

There is magic, madness, and nostalgia in the rainy season. Rains are life itself. The cool and wet monsoon brings a pleasant feeling to everyone around the place. Slow rhythmic raindrops on the roofs, falling into the puddles on the ground are soothing to the eyes and the frayed nerves. The soothing sound of the falling rain is a natural melody of mother earth. The coming of the monsoon season heralds a message of creation and rebirth. 

Days of continuous rainfall enrich the earth and its beings. There is richness in the colour of the foliage and blushed rain lilies are adding vibrancy to the scenery. Everything is bright and beautiful. Seeds that had lied dormant have suddenly sprouted with green shoots all around the place. New insects, born albeit with a limited life span, are enjoying their once in a lifetime flight. Monsoons bring in the constant croaking of the frogs, songs of the crickets, long call of peacocks, and if we are lucky we might spot a peacock dancing.

Monsoons bring back memories of childhood of running out and playing in the rain, making of paper boats and running wildly competing with paper boat races and the quintessential Chai pakora. Monsoon weaves its magic and enriches all beings on earth. “Rains showers my spirit and waters my soul”, rightly says Emily Logan Decens.

In the peak of the rainy season, one windy and sunny day brings in unexpected coolness albeit temporary but still worth it. Rain-soaked foliage and cool-weather is a heady cocktail for the day. Birds are relaxed and singing sweet morning song happily. Watching the morning clouds changing the scenery every few seconds is exhilarating.  The colours of the sky changing from stark grey to white with blue peeping through look amazing. The sun peeping through all this is intimidating a warm day. The hide and seek of clouds, sun, and wind are changing the scenery so fast that no mortal artist can compete with the supreme artist. The sun seems to have won as the dark clouds are withering away leading to a bright day. It is all fine as long as it is windy, but the moment the sun wins the battle from the wind, it is back to being hot and sultry. The stillness without even a whiff of air is making the birds quiet, occasionally broken by the moment of the birds and the fluttering of the butterflies.  

Rains continue at times with heavy downpour and at times all night long drizzle. Torrential and hammering rains bring in floods, homes and fields are washed away. The bright sun after weeks of continuous rain is welcoming. The earth is emitting coolness and trees are shivering with joy. The dewdrops on the grass seem like shimmering diamonds all over the garden. Butterflies are all over the place and the pink and white rain lilies are in full bloom, welcoming the Sun God. This sultry weather continues till the time the earth is drenched enough, leading to cool Sarad mornings.