It was the full moon day and the trip that had been thought over for long came off that evening. The number of friends who were actually interested in it were five and each one of them was asked to bring one special variety of food from his house.
The menu was drawn and distributed among all accordingly. Besides some musical instruments as “Tanpura’ and ‘Sitar’ were also taken along on the boat.
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As the boat started, the moon was coming out of the Ravi and soon it was rising above. The whole sky was enveloped in a silver screen and on the surface of river Ravi it was really very cool and pleasant.
The water with its ripples was shining brilliantly in the moonlight and the reflection of the moon could be seen in hundreds as the water splashed under the stroke of the oars.
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Everything was wonderfully charming. Even the sandy banks which were left behind glistened in the moonlight and appeared like silver particles scattered far and wide. In short, the whole natural scenery was clothed in glistening quietness and the exceptional coolness was really most pleasant.
It was nine o’clock when the boat reached the mid-stream and the oars were withdrawn. Now the boat was moving very slowly and cool breeze was touching from all sides. Food was taken out from the Tiffin boxes and all partook of it. The water of the river was ice-cold and very good to drink.
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Each one had brought some new type of food but unfortunately when all had been served it was discovered that the vegetables were not there. This was a good point of joke and every one enjoyed the innocent play behind it.
After the food had been finished and the floor of the boat cleaned, all the friends reclined for rest while Krishnanandan took up the ‘Tanpura’. In that silence and enticing atmosphere of romance the melodious voice of the singer and the instrument echoed and re-echoed till it seemed that it would touch the stars of heaven.
After ‘Tanpura’ there was ‘Sitar’ by Murari Mohan. It was so enchantingly soothing that it made one go to sleep. Its effect and appeal was something wonderful in the lull and calm of the night. After Sitar some Urdu and Hindi poems were recited and appreciated with great gusto.
Everybody seemed to be completely absorbed in it. In the cool atmosphere of the night on the stream, it was all so very enjoyable that we lost all consciousness of time.
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Gradually it got cooler still and everyone began to feel a sort of shivering sensation. The watch was consulted and it was twelve o’clock, the dead of night when the moon and the beauty of nature was at its height. Everything far and wide was bathed in the glory of the Queen of night, as the boat was rowed back to the bank of the river.
It was really a most memorable trip. The value of such trips is that it brings one in contact with natural sights and sounds, makes one forget one’s worries in the glory of nature and soothes the mind to perfect poise and balance. Time may pass but it cannot efface the impressions of the boat trip so exciting and so pleasant.
There is not pleasure comparable to that which I got during a trip by boat. To be on the surface of water and in the midst of nature is something really delightful and thrilling.
For the time being one finds oneself flowing with current of the stream with natural beauty on all sides. But this pleasure increases hundredfold if the trip is undertaken on a moonlit night and in the company of a few friends.