It is the month of June, the time when the weather undergoes a transition from the gruesome summers to the calming monsoon, and the outdoors finally becomes livable. The transition was clearly felt as the afternoon temperatures gradually dropped and the nights became cooler and calmer. Moreover, some areas of the city had even started receiving light drizzling which gave some hope to the locals that the monsoon won’t be dry, unlike the previous few years where there was hardly any downpour. 

In Sayadari, dry monsoons were even a bigger concern. Despite being a well-developed town there was a section of people who still had farmlands situated on the outskirts. Most of the farms were owned by urban businessmen who sold farm produce as a side business,  while there were farming families who earned their livelihoods solely out of farm produce and lack of rains had been causing a serious threat to their subsistence.

Hence this year, the whole farming community of Sayadari organized a march and gathered at the sacred well located at the center of the town. They went on a fast and prayed at the holy well for two full days for a good monsoon and subsequently a good harvest. 

The sacred well was the most popular place in the whole town. Well, it looked just like what a normal well would look like, but its history was what made it significant. It was believed that it was formerly a natural pond but turned into a well owing to natural factors and centuries of erosion, considering it had been there since The Stone Age. Even though there was hardly any scientific evidence backing such claims, the locals of Sayadari couldn’t care less. They were convinced that the well had witnessed all of humanity till that point and was built by God himself to provide a water source for the once dry and deserted mainland. 

But the holy well wasn’t the only attraction of Sayadari. The small yet prosperous town was home to the Chananda Hills. Located in the countryside it is a geographical landmark cherished by the locals for its tranquil beauty and historical significance. It was named after the freedom fighter and monk Veer Chananda who was born in Sayadari back when it was merely a small village settlement. He was a prominent and influential figure in the freedom struggle against colonial rule and was also a famous poet and playwright. Post Veer Chananda’s demise, his diaries were recovered where he documented his beliefs and important events in his life. According to his diary entries, after taking part in the freedom struggle, Veer Chananda turned into a monk and traversed across continents in search of spirituality and peace. After his long excursion lasting years, he finally returned to Sayadari and started living on the hill where he meditated for 3 months. Hence the hill was named after him. 

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But despite its historical significance and fondness among the townspeople, it isn’t really a popular traveling spot due to better alternatives available for tourists. Hence the Chananda Hills are free from commercialization, and the diverse flora and fauna that flourishes there stays protected from any foreign intrusion. 

Apart from the natural attractions, Sayadari is home to a diverse population with most of the people being descendants of migrants who emigrated to this town in the previous century due to frequent wars and diplomatic tensions. Unlike today, Sayadari was just a village with people living in shacks and tents and surviving on meager resources. Even though it was situated on the outskirts of a coming-up city, there weren’t any proper connecting routes for travel or transportation hence there was nearly no development in Sayadari for a long time. But it was only in the previous century when it came under a new administration that put Sayadari on a fast track to development from merely a village of ruins to a prosperous town. 

From the top of the Chananda Hills, one can get a clear view of Sayadari. The farmlands on the outskirts lead to the town area with narrow lanes and houses. The buildings and structures look like mere boxes scattered around the land amongst the greenery and the vehicles on the roads look like ants navigating through their anthills. The site looks breathtaking and perfect. Irrespective of how tiny it looks from far away, the town of Sayadari is home to over two million lives. There are people of all kinds here. Rich and poor, good and bad, honest and dishonest. The town of Sayadari might seem to be perfect from a distance but has its own set of flaws when looked up close, just like everything in existence. Maybe it’s better to say that Sayadari is home to millions of stories of humanity with each story having its own turns and trajectories. Every human is walking on their destined path in life doing what’s necessary to survive in this huge world and is weaving fascinating stories worth witnessing. Just like this one.