The soil I grew up in

Have described my country through different colours; though no words are enough to describe the richness and diversity of my country...this is my attempt

The soil I grew up in

I am from where the breeze soaks
colours deep, rich and meaningful.
I am from dynamic red used as vermillion in red bindis, the dots on women’s foreheads
that defines religion, marriage or both.
The red colour of a bride’s special dress
and the red chillies that spice up all our mouth-watering dishes.

I am from dark, deep or bright orange
that flows in to show marigold flowers, sages, festivals
or something sacred and holy.
I am from where orange is the colour of sweets
that sweeten our many celebrations.

I am from where the brown pot of raw white rice
bubbling and flowing in the open fields
spilling over the lush green carpet of grass.
announcing the green colour of harvest.

I am from where yellow is auspicious, the colour of turmeric, our trusted friend in marriages, religious ceremonies, cooking and home remedies.
I am from where the colour blue reminds us of the naughty Lord Krishna,
and the colour pink talks about majestic state of Rajasthan

I am from a land whose people are draped
in a vibrant ensemble of different languages and religions
in their diversity, lies their strength.