India, Aug. 7 -- Barkha Ritu or Varsha Ritu is here, which means rain. For most of us, this time of year involves a visit to the Lalbagh Flower Show from August 7 to 17, glorifying Rani Chennamma and Sangoli Rayanna. I knew the former, thanks to the Rani Chennamma express that I have taken, connecting Bengaluru and Sangli. But I had to read up about Sangoli Rayanna.

It is also the season of Raksha Bandhan so all the shops in my area are lined with Rakhi bracelets alternating with Indian flags thanks to the demand for them as lapel pins on Independence Day. I love this time of year in Bangalore. The air is cool, the skies cloudy, rain sprinkles on rose bushes at all times of day and night. The best way to see all this is to ride the Banga...