The skies have turned a dark shade of grey. Thunder rumbles in the distance. Lightning streaks – like a little kid playing with a new LED torch – in the dark evening skies. And occasionally, when the sun god makes a visit just before the end of the day, the skies burst in a play of colours. This is the rainy season the whole of India waits for. The monsoon is here.
Much has been said, written and talked about these seasonal winds which bring with them the bountiful rains, which accounts for more than 80% of the total rainfall the country gets. A few days delay, a drop in the quantity of rains – anything and everything affects the economy and everyday life of this vibrant country. Perhaps no one else has summed up how much our nation depends on these seasonal rains as Will Durant has in his book ‘The Story of Civilisations’. Says the writer ‘When the monsoon fails to blow, India starves, and dreams of nirvana,’ and we can’t agree more.
Maybe that explains why tracking the monsoon is very crucial to the country. Here is some dedicated people set out to do it.
But for now, let me leave the economic impact behind and tell you why I like it when it rains. It is time say goodbye to the hot and sweltering summer sun. Green is back. The sun lights up the clouds – sometimes erupting into a cheery rainbow. The roadside flowers – the name of which I do not know – bloom. Kids trot to schools in colourful rain coats and umbrellas. It takes me down memory lane – to the days we used to make paper boats, then set them sailing down the drains which form on every street during the rains.
Everywhere, there is renewed vigor. A promise for a better tomorrow. And as for me, it is time to curl up with a hot cup of coffee and samosas and just say thanks to the rain gods for showering their blessings.
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