Forces of Nature

Shivpuri Colony
Lanka, Varanasi

Tonight I ate my dinner by moonlight. It was very romantic. Amid pearly clouds in a pitch dark sky, the moon dazzled, pleased to be of use.  This ambience was created by the eight hours of load shedding daily. Load shedding is the Bengali-English “Banglish” term for black-out, where the city decides to turn off the electricity to certain parts of the city in sequence for 1-2 hours, in order to shed the load of need for electricity.

In Benaras, one learns that electricity is a luxury, not a necessity, for life continues even without it.  One learns what is really important, how to time activities with the forces of nature and utilize light, wind, water, soil and sound in ways that support one’s needs. 

Life becomes very purposeful. It slows down to the pace of conscious accomplishment of small things, like having clean water and having a clean place to bathe.  One learns when to keep doors closed to keep out mosquitoes at sunset, and when to open the doors at sunrise to let in the breeze.  One knows to wash clothes in early morning if the sun is shining, and to shelter them on the verandah if there are cloudy skies. One knows not to hang clothes indoors because the dampness attracts mosquitoes. We sweep the window sills, then the furniture, then the floors in the morning after the cool air becomes warm, when the doors and windows close to shelter the room from the oncoming blistering heat.  We cover our beds to keep dust from settling, and we wash dishes immediately to keep ants – and in my case, monkeys – away.

What is impressive is that despite all these challenges, ambitious and intellectual people are accustomed to accomplishing what they need without letting the need for comforts get in their way.  They keep laziness at bay. Professors will teach class and delve into the material despite sweaty eyebrows and no AV aids. Doctors will see patients, in the heat of a crowded room, using only sunlight to guide their examinations. Sellers will sell their vegetables, and porters will port their packages.  Life moves forward, due to the amazing willforce of man that we call survival of the fittest.