What a way to start the day!

On the 26th of Jan, i had the best start to my day in a long time.

Though i got up at 0430 hours, i was looking forward to the events that were about to unfold. i left home at 0535 and was late as planned by Pa. i was driving fast and was expecting to reach Gateway of India in half an hour but was amazed to find traffic, yes traffic, at Sion and we were stuck for a good 20 minutes. Some nakabandi for security reasons. But man, having to get stranded in traffic in the early morning darkness is something else. A real test of patience!

Only that patch of road was blocked. The rest of the trip was smooth and quick. So, reached Gateway at 0620. Parked the car and was seated by 0635. But, i must say, i felt a chill run through the spine when i was passing CST. The darkness was adding to the scary feeling. The blurry scene started playing on mind. But as soon as we reached the venue, it all felt hopeful. i was thinking about all the people who went through it. Brave souls!

Anyways, when we were settling down, Durga Jasraj, daughter of Pandit Jasraj and the organiser responsible for putting the event together gave a brief speech and introduced the artists. Before the performance began, a short film was shown on the history of the national flag, which was very informative. The national flag was the theme of the morning.

Javed Akhtar then recited a poem on the colour orange, the first colour in the national flag. And then followed flute recital, which just set the mood. Very profound, very soulful. i was constantly shooting videos and photos with my phone. White, green and then the chakra. Poetry, sitar, vocal, tabla, mridangam, flute performances took place. All refreshing, tuning the inner chord of life in the right rhythm.

The morning was pleasantly cold, i had just casually wrapped around a shawl to keep warm. The Gateway of India shone majestically in the early dawn lighting and then in the natural sunlight. In the midst of all this, the sun silently came up to say his hello. A bright orange hue turning into a golden halo. It was very symbolic of the sun to have risen just above the placard of Mumbai. Also, a few minutes after that, some of the jawans unfurled the national flag atop the Gateway.

i have captured all these magical moments in my phone and am waiting to transfer it on the computer.

It was so beautiful and serene and captivating. i think for the first time in my life, i have witnessed a sunrise so closely and so consciously. Sunsets, i have seen many, but sunrise was a first for me.

Lovely!