reasons to love the monsoon

Ever seen a paddy field or a patch of vegetables after the rain? There is nothing so lovely as the sight of rows upon rows of plants being washed clean by the rain.Even meadows and green slopes take on a spectacular green colour after a heavy shower; a sight youll see if you drive even a short distance out of the city in the rainy season.

Dont you just love walking in the rain, with or without an umbrella? Theres something so refreshing and invigorating about stepping outdoors in the rain and feeling the cool winds and the gentle showers.Getting wet in the rain sure takes us back to childhood and innocence which is why it seems like so much fun, no matter what our age.

As kids we may not have been particularly fond of the plastic Mickey Mouse raincoat that made us steam inside. But a stylish raincoat is a great way to make a statement in the wet season.Pick well cut raincoats with belts and hoods and youll cut a smart figure, even on the wettest day. Pick a good pair of rain boots to team with your coat.

Theres something about the rain that whets the appetite. And we begin craving hot, spicy, crisp, deep fried things. All over the country, there are different takes on bhajia, pakoras and bondas that are much loved as rainy season food.Seek shelter from a shower at a roadside shop and tuck into the simple pleasure of a plate of fried pakoras. Few things are as satisfying. And dont count calories.

When its wet and cold outside, you find yourself looking for clothes to keep you snug and warm. Its time to junk the skimpy cottons of summer and opt for clothes that keep you warm and cover you up.Pull out those light pullovers and hoodies. A nice pair of rain boots is also a wardrobe essential for the season. Splash out on make up; you need to make up for the grey skies and the lack of sunlight.

Does the sight of a puddle or a stream caused by the rain send you rushing to find a piece of scrap paper and fold it into squares and triangles to make it into a paper boat? Youre not alone; the rains turn many of us into children.The childish pleasure of sailing paper boats is summed up so well in R.L Stevensons childrens poem, Where go the boats. Remember that one.

What are rain puddles there for, but to jump in and slosh about with abandon? And its not just something children enjoy either.So go ahead and make a splash. Just make sure you wash and disinfect your feet properly after stomping about in rain puddles.

Going hand in hand with the crisp fried snacks we enjoy in the rains is a cup of hot chai. The best, again, is to be had in small stalls, out of khullars or small glasses. Somehow, all of it adds to enjoyment of this beverage of the masses.To spice things up some more, you should drink masala chai or tea brewed with ginger, which will also protect you against rain induced illnesses.

The rains are meant for romance. Think of all the romantic film numbers set in the rain from Pyar Hua Iqrar Hua in Shree 420 to Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein in Ajnabee.For most people, though, its not about a song and dance routine while soaking in the rain. Its about the cosy intimacy of walking in the rain under a shared umbrella.

When its rainy and cold outside, you need to be warm and nourished inside. And a bowl of steaming soup makes the perfect rainy day dinner.Choose thick, rich soups like bean soups, potato and leek, pumpkin or the always popular chicken soup and have a delicious monsoon dinner.