When the rains finally come to Mumbai, the first reaction is always joy, pleasure and an unadulterated glee at the break in the heat. The irritation with the water logging, the inconvenience of having those lashing rains curtailing various activities and minor irritants such as clothes not drying will come later. Right now, we love the Mumbai rains for so many reasons –
Petrichor
Image source
The smell of rain falling on parched earth is one of the most matchless perfumes on earth. When we hear the pitter-patter of rain we know that that heavenly smell is soon to follow; a smell we will breathe deep of and revel in.
Relief
Image source
By now those news stories of drought and dried reservoirs were really scaring all of us; the rains bring simple, unadulterated relief at so many levels.
The cleansing rain
Image source
The dust laden trees appear shiny, fresh and green and clean after that sharp shower. The dust settles and the roads get a much needed shower too!
Refreshing, rejuvenating rain
Image source
The arrival of the rain after a long, soul destroying summer uplifts, refreshes and delights us all.
A letup in the heat
Image source
By now the sticky heat and the constant humidity was making everyone angry and irritated and fed up. The rain transforms us into happier, better people.
Marine drive in the rain (or Worli, or Bandstand or Apollo Bunder or any Mumbai seaface)
Image source
The lashing waves of the Arabian Sea, the sea spray, the tumultuous clouds and thousands of other happy people getting wet walking down Marine Drive – something everyone should experience no matter whether rich or poor, local or from out of town.
Bhutta in the rain
Image source
Perhaps it is the soggy coals fitfully roasting the corn, the sight of that grinning fellow sheltering under his umbrella or the sharp, tangy taste of his salt-mirchi-nimbu combination liberally applied to the bhutta… butta tastes best in the Mumbai rains.
The chai-pakoda
Image source
There is something about steaming hot cups of tea and crisp deep fried pakodas that goes beautifully with the rain… especially if you’re dry and happy indoors with no reason to step out into the soaking, soggy mess that the streets have become by now.
School’s off!
Image source
Is there a greater joy for a child than being told that she or he doesn’t have to go to school because of the rain? The fact that your work day is disrupted too may be rather less happy making, but that is by the way.
“Aati kya Khandala”
Image source
A visit to Lonavala and Khandala past the lush, rain drenched ghats, climbing the waterfalls, Bushy Dam and of course the chocolate fudge… this is where Mumbai and Pune converge each year!
“Woh kaagaz ki kashti, woh baarish ka paani”
Image source
So many wonderful rain songs have been written about or inspired by the Mumbai rains. Here’s one for you to enjoy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmD6GfZgKX8
Author – Reena Daruwalla
