THE MAGICAL BEAUTY OF THE RAINS

The monsoon is here,and being a water sign,I love the rains.Its such a wonderful feeling to go out in the rain,when it is drizzling of course,with the light,wet breeze blowing my hair and clothes all over,while raindrops find their place on my body. They glisten like pearls, and create a feeling of being totally carefree,attuned to nature,and soaking in the beauties,and bounties of this season.Strange as it may seem,I never carry an umbrella,because the childhood pleasure of getting wet in the rain,is so inviting,and exciting.Sitting with a steaming cup of my favourite tea,and just looking at the beautiful scenery all around, is so soothing,and so enjoyable,that getting up,and going ahead with the responsibilities of every day life, seems to be an unwelcome disturbance,an unavoidable intrusion.I just want to sit around and enjoy the beauty all around me.Everything is so green,freshly washed by the very welcome showers,and Pune is unbelievably beautiful at this time of the year.And going on long drives,with dear friends,and loads of good food,is a favourite way of celebrating the rainy season.Talking of food,piping hot bhajias,the famous Bengali khichuri,with crispy papar,freshly roasted bhutta,roasted peanuts,all are an inseparable part of this season,and no one can stay away from these delights.This year,2009, the situation here is very bad.The monsoon is late,the dams are dry,there is no rain in the catchment areas,leading to severe water shortage.We have to manage with water which comes only for a few hours a day,and its tough.But with all this, I still sit down to soak in the joy of the rains,which comes with its own beauty,and it looks like an exquisite painting all around.Ang the view from my home is truly magnificent.