The endless green field with the mustard plants yet to spread the fabulous yellow color all around was glued to my eyes when I dropped there for the first time. In the chilling breeze of the February morning, with my comforter around my neck, I tried to enjoy the cold through the warmth of my sweater.
Walking along the narrow partition of the field, I saw a bunch of milky white herons flying across the vast green land, if a host of white clouds had come down to the earth are now they were on their journey back in the early morning sky.
The birds singing all around and the cattle on their way to graze broke the silence of the winter morning, and suddenly, a cuckoo sang a song for her lost partner in deep sorrow. The sun was slowly rising above, spreading its brightness all around to wash out the darkness of the night that was still hiding under the branches of some trees here and there.
I felt very thrilled exploring the wet soil, smelling the mustard plants, and tasting the sweetness of the morning grass.
From the field, I came to the muddy road of the village to proceed to my destiny for the day. At the entrance of the village stood the massive chariot of Lord Jagannath, asleep mode for more than four months. The beautiful motifs on the wall of the chariot showcased the art of rural Bengal and traditional Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The sound of the weaving mills from the houses passing by signalled that the day has begun with the hard work of the weavers in their earnest endeavour of earning bread and butter.
The fragrance of flowers spread in all directions, the moment they bloomed; likewise, the warmth of the day spread all around the houses and roads passing through the village. The big banyan tree in the center of the village where the women came to offer morning prayer and poured water on the various shiva lingams marking their deep rooted faith in God who carried them through the happy and sad moments of their lifes.
What I felt coming here is exceptional joy, and the luxury of leaving the busy and hassled city life for a day. What I carried with me from there was the smell of the earth, the grass, the ponds, and the muddy walls along with the sight of water lilies, the naughty boys playing with leftover cycle tyres, the vast green fields and the herons flying above them.
Herons on the field
Snowballs floating in the green
But are standing still.
@ Spondon Ganguli, 2020
This story is so vivid. Amazing!