Sunset Song

Ranjita Biswas

When English philosopher-academician Bern Williams wrote, “It is almost impossible to watch a sunset and not dream,” he knew what he was talking about. It is indeed ‘dream time’ when a kaleidoscope of colours — orange, pink and gold is revealed in the every evening. But in these frantic times when the strain of “no time to stand and stare” resonates across corridors, this great spectacle is often given a go-by, perhaps inevitably. 

Travellers often say they make up for the loss by enjoying a sunset in iconic sites and bring back memories of the place under a flaming sky. Turkish contemporary writer Mehmet Murat ildan sets the evocative mood thus, “Sunset is the opening music of the night.”

Santorini

The most beautiful island in the world, that’s how Greek island Santorini is described. The proud volcanic cliffs, the intensely blue Aegean Sea, beaches that give an open invitation to languor, and the pristine white buildings — all add to its image.

Among the other ‘must-visit’ spots in Santorini, viewing the sunset at Oia is mandatory.  The narrow lanes of the little town perched over a cliff get jammed with visitors as afternoon approaches. At the viewing point, the sun takes time, as if in amusement, as people wait expectantly. Then slowly its rich hues colour the waves; the sailing boats with tourists wanting to savour the sea at this romantic moment take off. They look tiny from up there on the cliff’s steps. 

Soon lights twinkle from houses built as if each takes a step towards the sea. As the evening light spreads a misty shawl over the Aegean, it is indeed a magical moment — the world waiting breathlessly at the cusp of day and night.

Angkor Wat

Awe and inspiration — both emotions jostle for space as the sun pauses before saying goodbye for the day at Angkor Wat. There these are, framed against the afternoon sky, three immense sculptured domes representing Mount Meru — said to be the abode of Lord Siva. The sun’s dimming lights seem to remind that even great empires disappear one day, not to oblivion, perhaps, as these leave behind remnants of the glorious days, as here in Cambodia.

This vast temple-residence complex under the Khmer rule was built during the eighth and 12th century led by a Hindu dynasty, whose origins lay in South India. Walking up a long carriageway across a moat, you reach the central temple where a huge idol of Vishnu greets you at the entrance; devotees still offer flowers and light joss sticks at its feet.

A Unesco World Heritage site since 1992, a multi-national restoration project, with Indian experts playing a major role, has been going on for many years now in Angkor Wat. The western world woke up to this astonishing archaeological wonder after French naturalist Henri Mouhot’s drawings and notes were published in 1863.

Barcelona

Much has been written about Barcelona’s beauty and ancestry. The city on the Mediterranean is a magnet for tourists from all over the world. But if you do not enjoy at least one sunset on its sea front, you miss out on something essential about the city. The seafront was cleared of old and derelict buildings to showcase the1992 Olympics. It was transformed into a charming promenade.

A little bit of cloud is good for the spectacle, locals say, because it catches the colours perfectly. 

Linger over the area as brilliant hues set the background for many iconic buildings skirting the promenade, like the Naval Museum, while the imposing Columbus Monument stands guard. The seagulls screech noisily, lovers walk hand in hand,  yonder stand two old style sailing boats and the palm trees sway in the sea breeze reminding you of Shelley’s poem The Sunset: 

“… the west was open to the sky

There now the sun had sunk,

but lines of gold

Hung on the ashen clouds,”

Brahmaputra 

The mighty Brahmaputra, on its long journey from Tibet to the Bay of Bengal through the Assam valley, reflects many moods — at dawn, under a simmering sun and then in the afternoon’s sunset radiance. People of Assam call their beloved river Luit. It has figured in folk tales, lyrics and songs for ages. Cultural icon Jyoti Prasad Agarwala writes  a paean to the river thus: 

“I sail on the wide expanse of Bor Luit

 The waves catch evening’s golden glow

And dance joyously

 I look on enchanted

My lost song, my missing melody

I find them echoing happily

In the homes on the bank of Luit.”