Here are some opinions of what rains mean to Bangaloreans. Also the summer showers that come as a welcome relief from the heat.
Daanish Alvi, Engineering Student
“It’s very easy to romanticize rain in Bangalore. I’ll choose to just be honest, because it’s simple really: Bangalore rains are comfort. Rains are Bangalore’s embrace–all-encompassing, cool, and comforting. Each raindrop fizzles into the atmosphere above and all around you, beneath every step and denoting every breath. Pollution getting to you? Here’s a breezy little kiss of petrichor through the nostrils and on both cheeks. Traffic being awful? Well, that’s unavoidable unfortunately (I’ll probably most definitely make it worse), but I’ll frost your windows and set the mood for any song you want to play while you wait in your car. The stress in your head getting overwhelming? Let it sizzle and dissipate with my pitter-patter, along with the stresses of the city. Rains are Bangalore’s way of telling us – “Stop and take a breath. Have a sip of tea and look up. You get so lost in the congestion of the city, you sometimes forget the sheer breadth of freedom and love that breathes right above you at all times.” To put it simply, rains are an annoyed little smack on the head. “Stop stressing and look up at me for a moment.”
Pallabi Paul, Psychology Student
“There’s something about rain in the city that makes everything feel different, like the world has slowed down just for a little while. The usual chaos—honking cars, hurried footsteps, the endless chatter of life—fades under the steady rhythm of raindrops against pavement. It’s not silent, not really, but it’s quieter in a way that makes you feel like you can breathe. I love watching the way the rain changes everything. Neon signs reflecting on wet asphalt, turning streets into blurry paintings. Strangers huddling under shared awnings, a moment of unspoken unity. The smell of damp concrete, warm coffee shops, and something fresh— like the city just took a deep breath after holding it in too long. There’s a kind of romance to it, even when you’re alone. Maybe especially then. Walking through misty streets with a hoodie pulled up, feeling the cold seep into your fingertips, but not minding. Sitting by a café window, watching people rush past with broken umbrellas and soaked jackets, while you sip something warm and let time pass. It’s cinematic. It’s comforting. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best thing you can do is just exist. There’s also something about rain that makes food taste better. Maybe it’s the contrast— the warmth of a coffee cup against cold fingertips, the steam rising from a bowl of ramen while rain taps against the window. Even something as simple as roasted chestnuts from a street vendor or the buttery crunch of a croissant feels different, more indulgent, like a quiet act of self-care against the dreary weather. And when the rain slows, when the city starts waking up again, it’s like the world is brand new for a few minutes. Everything glistens, the air feels lighter, and for a moment, it’s like the city itself is breathing with you. And then, just like that, the rain fades. The city stirs back to life, shaking off its damp slumber. People emerge from doorways, puddles ripple with the last few drops, and the sky, still overcast, holds the promise of something new. Maybe more rain, maybe sunshine—it doesn’t really matter. For now, the city feels softer, and for a little while longer, I’ll hold onto this feeling.”
Dr Apoorva Reddy
“The first rain always reminds me of the first cry of a new born. The world could be crumbling but the moment you hear it, it fills you with peace and joy.”
Read the full story that first appeared in Our Bangalore dated Apr 5-11 here
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