The southwest monsoon has entered Mumbai, leaving everyone happy and relieved. When the rains finally hit the sweltering city on Sunday, it presented a beautiful picture, with dark skies and thick clouds, a stark contrast to the scorching heat. People of the city shared their feelings on social media and stepped out to enjoy the weather.
Commuters and cyclists shared happiness
Pankit Faria from the Ghatkopar Cyclists Group says they have already gone on a few rides: “It started on Sunday itself. We went to Bandra Bandstand, Shivaji Park, Marine Drive and Gateway of India. It was great to be outside – the fresh air, the smell of damp soil and petrichor – making it simply mesmerising. We also had to be careful as the first rains were slippery.”
Chetan Shah, founder of an IT company and a cycling enthusiast, said he and his group went on a 60-km cycle ride from Juhu to the Gateway of India and back. “We were eagerly waiting for the rains after cycling in the heat for two months. We enjoyed getting wet and also stopped for filter coffee and selfies along the way.”
Madan Singh, a cyclist from Ghodbunder Road, who cycles to and from his workplace in Vikhroli, says, “The feeling of cycling yesterday was indescribable; it was great to be outside! I have experienced all seasons on a bicycle, but I love monsoon the most.”
However, JP Shetty, a cyclist from Thane, echoes the concerns of most: “The biggest problem for us commuters is the potholes on the Jogeshwari Link Road (JVLR), which make cycling a nightmare. I hope something is done about this,” he says.
‘The city looks even more attractive’
Though the first rains brought reports of waterlogged roads and flooding in areas, many people expressed relief at the end of the hot summer days.
A social media user posted on X: “The windy, foggy Mumbai mornings are here, announcing the arrival of the monsoons. And as we Mumbaikars head to work, the misty air and gentle rains make our city even more enchanting, evoking dreams and memories at every step.”
Another expressed what people generally feel: It’s raining in Mumbai and I’m living for it until I have to travel in the rain. Then I’ll just get irritable and complain about how much I hate this weather.”
Some people also shared useful tips and checklists for the rainy season, like carrying bags and covers for mobile phones and carrying extra clothes to work.
