One of the most underreported and overlooked problems that the country faces right now, is that of water shortage. Severely depleted groundwater levels and a late monsoon mean that we are looking at a situation that is nothing short of a crisis. So, when the rains do arrive they are greeted with gladness and gratitude.
The people of Chennai were delighted to receive rains that signalled the arrival of the monsoon after having faced a serious water shortage.
The water reservoirs around Chennai had run dry, leading to severe water crisis across the city and surrounding areas.
After the unrelenting heat, the rains are welcomed.
The big question is, while the rains dispel the unrelenting heat, will they help address the water shortage in a city that has been managing with water tankers?
Mumbaikars are also delighted that the rains have finally arrived. The familiar lowering clouds, the sudden downpours… these are things that every Mumbaikar delights in.
The rains in Kolkata are as delightful and heartening.
The actual monsoon has not arrived all over India. However, the pre-monsoon showers have lowered temperatures, given people a respite from the sun and created these beautiful photo-ops.
The sea may be choppier than usual, but Goa is less crowded and cheaper to visit during the monsoon; attractions such as the Dudhsagar Falls are at their best.
People from all corners of the country are sharing their happiness and their delight; welcoming the rains and celebrating in their own unique way.
That smell of the earth as it soaks up the first, life-giving drops of rain has a special name: petrichor. It is this heavenly smell that is a part of the whole joyous experience of the first rains.
The monsoons lower temperatures and offer welcome relief from the heat and dust. They give new life to earth which seems to become green and renewed. Recommended places to visit during the monsoon are, Coorg, Lonavala-Khandala, Udaipur and many others.
Typically it rains and the electrical supply goes off. However, the joy of the rains soothes the irritation of having no electricity.
The puddles, getting soaked, the clothes not drying… we don’t mind it – at least for the time being.
In one of the driest states of India, the people of Rajasthan are still waiting.
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