A Memorable Journey to My Village

Rain is enjoyed and welcomed everywhere and by everybody. Children and elders get a chance to enjoy rain showers. The rainy season has great significance in India. As all know, the farmer's livelihood heavily depends on the arrival of rain. In the western part of India, monsoon rain arrives at the beginning of June every year. Alas! This year monsoon showers kept farmers waiting till the second week of July. The amount of rainfall predicted is well short of its average level this time. Due to scanty rainfall, dams and reservoirs have hardly any water left. This situation indicates that it's going to be a hard time ahead to get a good crop.

I live in the city area of Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, and not directly engaged in farming activity. I got to know about actual field conditions when I visited my native place "Harnas" situated in Bhor taluka. When I decided to walk down to "Harnas" from Malwadi bypass, I saw women and elder men working on their farm. Although there's no heavy rain, still there are rain showers now and then. Farmers are busy in their farming activities, whatever they can yield for their household needs. Another thing I noticed is the small size of the farm, because of smaller fields they are unable to produce a surplus which they can sell into the market. The way of farming is traditional and there's hardly any use of machines.

Apart from these realities, I felt close to nature during my trail to "Harnas". I could hear cows and their siblings which I wish to keep in my memory for years. Very sweet and audible were the tweets of birds. A variety of sweet sounds made me spellbound. I spotted the yellow-headed sparrows on a tree and many tiny bird species. Also, the livestock which includes hens, goats, and buffaloes where sited in the course of the journey. Rain showers accompanied me, while I was enjoying the pleasure of bird-watching & listening. I also want to mention the green mountains which made my trip unforgettable. I always had a love for mountains and hilltops. Green mountains are a treat to watch in the rainy season. They gift your eyes with beautiful pictures and scenery that nature-lovers die to see. However, the Bhatghar dam is not filled to its normal level during this time of the year. One can see the vast bed of the dam due to lack of water. Interestingly, nature-lovers walk down into vast plains developed due to the shrunken dam-course and have great fun with their friends.

Its 8 kilometers journey from "Malwadi" bypass to "Harnas". On the way, I had a chance to have little dialogues with the villagers. I just felt that these people lead a simple and straight forward life.

After reaching my destination, I entered the "Lord Vadeshwar temple" and performed the divine duties. I also made a prayer to god. I wish all my wishes are showered onto me, my family & friends. I prayed for the wellness of my family and let God's grace always stay with us. I left "Harnas" for visiting again with my complete family during the festival of "Shri Dutt Jayanti".

On the way back to "Swargate", I was just feeling elated and happy that I am been gifted by God in many ways. You can also try the Raireshwar Fort Trek