The Lark at Heaven's Gate Sings
The earth suddenly seemed to sink below me. I rise above the expanse of the plain, feeling light as a feather floating amidst thin wisps of clouds. I could initially see a couple of local dwellers in their scarlet, bead studded turbans wave back at me and hubbub of their voice made their way up, but as I rose higher, all the details began to dwindle…
Over looking the edge of my basket, I was awestruck by the mesmerizing view of the majestic ‘Pink City’- Jaipur! The magnificent town below me was like a living map; pink houses dazzling like rubellites under the golden rays of the sun! It was as if someone had spread out a massive ‘Rajasthani’ royal saree on the earth below. Miniature houses looked like gem stones studded on the saree and the roads snaked around like fine embroidery. Bold vermillion shades striking in the sky, contrasted with the bleak ochre of the sand dunes below which rose and fell as if they were breathing. The breeze blew softly, just the right pace as the balloon was moving; calm and serenity seeped in gradually.
Peaks of mighty fort towers spoke valiantly of the heritage of Rajasthan! Though I could not hear the whispers of the ages, tales of numerous victories and battles, I could feel the heart beats of valorous soldier’s throb in the earth below! As my guide directed me to the significant spots to sight, illusions of horses galloping, blood dripping swords clinging and kings in their bronze armours roaring in the battle field came to my mind. Thinking about the imperial past, the settlements since then were intact! An engineer’s utmost precision to design a city like this, houses grouped together along the stretch of the plain, replicated a queen’s splendid necklace!
As the sun became a dome shaped crown on the horizon, I began to descend, towards the graceful camels and dynamic dancers setting up their tents for their show. To witness the aerial view of the town at evening was like being hailed by the angels, the labyrinth of lights stole my breath away in the most magical way possible. Down there were thousands of souls whose lights burned just as brightly as the torch bearers of palaces. Aromas of ‘Daal Batti Choorma’ and ‘Halwa’ crawled up to me, making me even more thrilled. Campfires lit up and surrounded by a circle of shisha pipes were now seen. Deep rooted cultures of this city made me feel really proud of my nationality and I learnt that no matter how high we rise; we should never leave our roots!
To feel yourself floating through the endless realms of space, drinking in the pure air of the skies, as you go sailing along among the stars, free as “the lark at heaven’s gate”, this hot air balloon ride was an Elysian experience!