Early summer rains in Kolkata

Early summer rains in Kolkata

Today, after such a long wait, the first rains of spring (which is roughly another name for summer these days) came, washing away all dirt and grime from the relatively empty streets of Dumdum. It was a much needed, and much prayed for, respite from the sultry weather commonly associated with this time of the year.

A cloudy sky, gazing upon the urban greenery

We Indians, especially north Calcuttans (well, Dumdum is definitely a part of extended Kolkata), really know this feeling very well, the feeling when the entire sky gets cloudy, when birds here and there (alongside a couple of frogs, of course, but they are too few to be mentioned in such urban areas) eagerly start awaiting the first splash of rains, when the lonely kid comes out at the balcony and wonders at the sudden change of colour of the heavens. Under the milky radiance of a now-cloudy sky, raindrops pour in all directions, making the roads wet and the air moist. This smell of wet soil (the little of it that's left on each side of roads anyway) is too familiar, and somehow lures the mind into an endless abyss of memories. This is the time when Bengalis reflect on their past, present and future. Obviously this 'getting philosophical' part starts only after grabbing a cup of steaming coffee or tea and the cozy armchair/sofa to sit on. :)

Yeah, streets stay more or less empty before and after rain,
best time to get a few nice shots

My mother is actually from the village of Labhpur, Birbhum, a place that retains its scenic beauty and pure Bengali rural freshness even today. To be honest, Labhpur is a beautiful blend of somewhat urban and rural communities, moving headlong into urbanization but still maintaining the beauty of simplicity. It's a place which is in close touch with nature, and that's what makes such villages so beautiful. Here in Kolkata, we're practically cut off from the rural charm, but the tentacles of nature still manage to crawl to us at times. And especially, during these moments of occasional respite from sultry heat of summer in form of brief summer rains.

Rabindrasangeet forms an integral part of the life of practically any literate and cultured Bengali, and the folks there at FM stations lose no time in starting playback of some celebrated and unforgettable songs written by Tagore glorifying the rainy season. Philosophical discussions alongside weather talks fill up the local 'Addas', of each 'Pada'. Thus in a way, rains evangelize Kolkata and Calcuttans alike to a somewhat higher state of bliss. Many tourists utilize these times to roam around freely, occasionally taking shots of anything and everything. I am not a tourist, but I too find myself enjoying a photo-shooting trip through the wet streets. Philosophically speaking, rains change the very essence of Kolkata. The same applies to the rest of Bengal.

When you're in North Kolkata,
don't mind light posts and electric wires :)

Local tea and coffee shops become gathering places during such cloudy weekends. I don't usually fancy sipping tea at local tea-stalls, but many people do. Some even fancy a little bit of Kolkata's famous 'Rosgullas' and 'Misti Dahi' (sweet curd). This is the beauty of Kolkata, we can live our lives however we may want to. This degree of freedom gives birth to culture and elegance, to quote the motto of Linux Mint, "From freedom, comes elegance".

So, if you plan to share the experience, be sure to step out on a rainy weekend. Don't forget your camera, and certainly don't forget your umbrella either. Boots are usually recommended, and don't mind a bit of mud and dirt. Or else, simply go to your roof, and enjoy glimpses of a rainy Kolkata skyline.