[Points: Introduction—it is very pleasant-general scenery country boats, sunset, crowd, different types of vendors—fresh air —joyous mood conclusion.]
It is very pleasant to walk by the riverside, specially in the evening, after a hard days' work. So I often take a walk by the river Hooghly in the evening. It has become my habit to do so for the last twenty years.
The riverside near the Fort is really very beautiful. With the mighty Hooghly on one side, the green rampart on the other and a lovely promenade in between, the area looks very beautiful. The maidan is rather less polluted here. This is the main reason why visitors can be seen here throughout the day. They come here to relax under the shade of big trees. In the afternoon the breeze is really cool and refreshing. The rays of the setting sun falls on the river and the water sparkles. The hue of the river looks enchanting. Barges, boats and ships ply on the river; many of them are anchored to load and unload wares. By the evening people from different corners of the city come here to spend a couple of hours. They enjoy themselves in this beautiful surroundings.
Often the place becomes over-crowded. Vendors sell icecreams, peanuts, cold drinks, fruits, tea and what not! Balloonwallas attract kids by colourful and gas filled balloons. They all do brisk business. Gradually darkness descends on all sides and street lights are lighted. Dim candle or hurricane lamps are lighted on the country boats in the mid river. These add beauty to the surroundings. Crowd increases and people can be seen sitting right up to the edge of water level. Eden Gardens looks romantic from a distance. People carry transistor sets to entertain themselves. Some sing of their own, children run about in the open. Older people lie down on the grass and gossip among themselves: The whole area becomes full of life and fun.
The air being rather free of pollution, this area or the city always attracts me. An evening walk gives me the meaning of life, it entertains my mind, it is a food for me. Such an evening walk helps me to forget my worries and anxieties and gives me strength and vigour.
