Published on 12:00 AM, August 07, 2023

My Dhaka

A rainy day in the capital

Photo: Anisur Rahman

Every balcony holds a distinct sight of the rain, and it eventually becomes a safe spot for us to ponder on life or take a break from it. The narrow lanes and the familiar alleys -- everything look more refreshed after a drizzle. Even a look outside the window amidst work or class to catch a glimpse of the city acts as a soothing respite from our everyday life.   

It's a dark, gloomy day and the smell of earth dampened by rainwater sweeps the city. You hear the sounds of pouring rain on your window and make yourself a cup of freshly brewed tea. Leaving behind all thoughts of going out, you immerse in the delight of a rainy day in Dhaka.

While this may sound dreamy, many argue rain in Dhaka is more of an inconvenience than a respite. Indeed, the waterlogged roads and unruly traffic congestion caused by a downpour creates a lot of problems for us, but once in a while we can relish the good things rain has to offer.

Imagine being tucked in your bed and waking up at 7:00am to the pattering of raindrops. It can be the cause of horror to reach work on a weekday or it can be the best feeling in the world to drift off to the cosiest nap you have had in a while during the weekend.

As we, residents of Dhaka, search for delight in the little things life has to offer, moments spent in the rain hold some of the fondest memories we have.

As the roads beneath may be flooded, the rooftops in our concrete jungle quickly fill up with happy faces when it rains. One hears the laughter of children, watches young people have the time of their lives, or even a solitary individual just enjoying some time alone. 

Every balcony holds a distinct sight of the rain, and it eventually becomes a safe spot for us to ponder on life or take a break from it. The narrow lanes and the familiar alleys -- everything look more refreshed after a drizzle. Even a look outside the window amidst work or class to catch a glimpse of the city acts as a soothing respite from our everyday life.    

Rain also changes the landscape of our city, beautifying what we already find beautiful -- take our lakes for example. Our parks gain a refreshed look as if their souls have been rejuvenated; a walk in TSC holding hands under the tranquil rain is something on most couple's bucket list in Dhaka.

Rain in Dhaka has its distinct beauty and it does not take much to appreciate it. Although it comes with its fair share of problems, valuing the little things can turn a gloomy rainy day in the metropolis into a blissful one.