[Points: Time—scenery after sunset—after moonrise—the environment—the banks—at Dakshineswar—the destination—conclusion.]
Last Sunday, a few minutes before sunset, we hired a country boat at Nimtala Ghat and proceeded towards Dakshineswar, It was a pleasant autumn evening, and there were specks of cloud tinged red by the rays of the setting sun. We stood gazing at the sun, which sank below the horizon in a few minutes. An imposing calm prevailed. The trees and the buildings on both sides of the river looked beautiful The small boats plying across the river made the scene really charming.
Darkness gradually set in and everything on both sides grew more and more indistinct till nothing could be seen except a dark sheet of water with small blinking lights in other boats. Several launches passed by us at some distance. They had powerful search lights. Our eyes were dazzled with the lights which were often focussed upon us.
In the meantime the moon rose. It was indeed a pleasant sight to see the play of moon beams on the calm water. We could see the big buildings and gardens on the riverside in silvery light. The Belur Math looked enchanting. Rows of electric lamps extended over an area of more than one mile attracted our attention. Later, we came to know that it was the Alambazar Jute Mill.
Soon we reached Dakshineswar. The temple and the garden filled our heart with joy. We sat on the steps leading to the temple yard and remained silent for sometime. It was dead calm all around us, only the soft splash of the river was heard at intervals. There was the cloudless sky above us with the full moon and shining stars. We also heard a boatman singing a song, full of pathos. We were all touched by the lyric. Suddenly we realised how late we were. We got back to the boat and returned to Calcutta.
This beautiful boat trip won our heart. The beauty of nature, which we often miss, unfurled before us that day. I will ever remember the river scene at night for the rest of my life.
