Sewali

A spread so splendid needs beheld,
White on green and the dots of red;
Fragile and yet so strong and free,
A sight of delight is little Sewali

The first break of dawn in the autumn sky caresses it with hues of tangerine and pink. As if the chirping birds invite me to stroll on the unpaved roads in the vicinity of my Grandma's house. As I meander, I see strands of clouds unfurl like ribbons in the orange sky, as if with an innate restlessness, and yet peaceful, benevolent. Ambient sounds of nature engulf me. A gentle breeze brushes my face, the same that causes the leaves to stir, making me one with the idyllic setting, embracing me into the beautiful canvas, to muse and to think.

At the far end of the road stands a house with a beautiful garden fringed by trees and lush beyond compare. Approaching the house immersed in the sights, I deeply inhale the gentle scent of Sewali floating in the air. Sewali the little flower, creates a fragrance so mesmerizing that it inspires a feeling of love and gratitude that only grows stronger. The owner of the house, my aunt, gives me permission to pick up the little flowers and I head towards the Sewali tree.

Underneath the tree on the dew soaked grass lay a carpet of the little flowers that had fallen on the ground overnight. I look up at the tree bedecked with leaves, a tapestry of multiple shades of greens, as if protecting the delicately woven floral carpet that lay on the ground underneath. Dewdrops glisten on the leaves as the dapple sunlight cuts through the branches. I look down and once again marvel at the serene spread of while beauties, each with one tiny orange dot in the center and a soft orange stem.

I take off my sandals and gingerly tread on the dewy grass, succumbing to the tiny blades and trying not to step on a flower. I unwrap the scarf from around my neck and lay it on the ground. I pick up Sewali in my palms .. what a joy to behold! Filling up the scarf with flowers and tying the knot, I pause and ruminate. To me, Sewali is an expression of L-O-V-E... love. Sewali embodies robustness and delicateness. Today, after I go back to my Grandma's house, I'll use a needle and thread to make a garland with Sewali flowers for Durga (the majestic Goddess of strength and beauty). Such is the nostalgia of this festive autumn in the north east.