Rann of Kutch..Sunrise

After watching the unforgettable sun set at the Rann of Kutch we decided to stay awake through the night to celebrate our friend Jiji's birthday. It was a milestone 50th year for her. The bright moon cast a spell on the vast expanse of the open courtyard. We exhibited infectious childish enthusiasm about 10 times about the birthday celebrations. We managed to get a cake and at the stroke of midnight binged on cake and coffee.

It was dark when we left our tent to watch Rann of Kutch sunrise. The air was cold and we needed our scarves and woollens for the trip. Wrapping ourselves snuggly, we set out to view the sunrise at the Rann. Stepping out into the salt desert,  we were astounded to see miles and miles of salt land around us. Crystals of salt crunched under our feet as we walked across the plains. Nature never ceases to amaze me.

Who would have thought few months before, during the monsoon weather this place would have been flooded with water. There were a fair scattering of people around us. Few moments before the sunrise the ethereal moon lit the desert with its cool white light. Sky was overcast with clouds, the grey white clouds merged  into the horizon of the land at a distance. On a clear day the sunrise would have been spectacular. We waited for the first rays of the sun to kiss the skies. Dawn broke over the horizon. The coral pink of the morning sun gave way to the dark grey of the sky. The scattered clouds were bathed in vivid colors of peaches and pink. Pale light that softly caressed the marsh land jolted us into a rush of taking pictures of this morning delight. The sky had taken an iridescent pink sheen which looked rich and regal against the salty plains. 

As the sun rose from the clouds, the the skies changed to a warm yellow. In a few seconds sunlight filled the sky. The brilliant orange egg yolk sun spread its rays to as far as the eye could see. 

The sun rays on the white crystals of sand seems like a million diamonds were sparkling at the same time. The white barren land shined and shimmered as far as the eyes could see. That a daily affair can bring about such wonder seemed to awake a spiritual chord in each of us. Despite the bond between friends and the camaraderie amongst the crowd, the moment brought about a realization of the Divine and the ability of Nature to trigger connection between unknown souls and yet introspect momentarily. The single moment, we felt connected with Universe and could only think positive thoughts.

Meenaxi, Jiji, Neelima, Sandhya .. my friends for the tour