I feel a constant compulsion for discovering unfamiliar territories of life. When that urge is not satiated, there is a turmoil in my cerebrum that nudges me incessantly and my only salvation is in taking my camera, exploring new places and experiencing amazing hues of life at different levels. That is precisely what I did yesterday. After a very long time, I went for outdoor shoot at the Hanging garden with a group; Mumbai Weekend Shoot, of which I am a member. What an amazing start for the week!
There was much more than the usual December pollen and the stunningly beautiful butterflies fluttering all over. What mesmerized me was the subtle unfolding of various shades of life present at the garden, that early in the morning.
While we were waiting at the entrance of the garden for all the members of the group to arrive, the day had started with languid pace at the main road. The group of bicycle riders had gathered in their interesting attires, ready to hit the road - their adventure. A roadside joint was serving fresh breakfast and had started attracting customers already.
From across the road, hurriedly came an old hawker, carrying all his wares to set up his shop before any of his competition arrived. The dog walkers, giving in to the tantrums of their dogs and allowing the passers by to play with their friendly dogs, made a beautiful sight!
The moment I entered the garden, I got to inhale divine fragrance of wet soil, soaked in fresh dew. There is this lingering urge in that fragrance that holds us silent and transforms us in tune with our inner self in some subtle, magical way that is infinitely precious. There is divine stillness that it brings along that soothes heart which is completely rejuvenating for the body, mind and soul!
A group of young people from a family were playing cricket, while the elders were confined to being fair umpires and supportive spectators.
People doing pranayam, yoga and other exercises, very senior citizens in their late seventies and eighties strolling leisurely, enjoying spilling of tender rays of Sun and the abundant beauty all around made a happy picture of a life lived well.
Magnificent trees offered shade of solace and many senior citizens grabbed the secluded places and were busy sharing stories of their life, laughter and pulling each others' legs. When they saw so many photographers, they asked many questions and some of them ebulliently suggested some nice spots worth taking pictures. They proudly narrated details of the various groups they had formed and their participation in various activities.
Trees, full of blossom and fragrances stood with lonely grandeur and amid the brocade of leaves and flowers; birds, insects, bees and butterflies were having a blast! Looking at the sheer abundance of spectacular colours, forms, textures and perspectives I was wondering if I could ever capture all that beauty!
I left the garden when the sunlight became too bright for the photographs. My heart was oozing out with magnificent energy. The fascinating glimpse of various stages of life and its different rhythm I observed at the garden was going to be cherished for long. I knew that I was going to return to this place again and again as just one visit to such a heavenly garden isn't enough to capture its ethereal early morning beauty!
