Page 3 - Seniorstoday Sep 2024 Issue

Publisher’s Note

Come September

When I gaze at the sky in September, I long to see borealis increase for those in the higher latitudes
more. The rain gods remain indecisive—should of the Northern Hemisphere. According to NASA,
they depart or stay on? Summer has officially equinoxes are primetime for Northern Lights—
taken its bow. In Maharashtra, Nariyal Purnima, geomagnetic activity is twice as likely to occur
a cherished festival of the Koli fisherfolk, during the spring and autumn than in the depths of
traditionally celebrates the changing of seasons. summer or winter.
Prayers are offered to the sea, seeking blessings And then, there is the music—one that evokes
and permission to re-enter the waters. Yet, climate memories of a different time. The iconic score
change has cast a shadow over these age-old from the 1961 American romantic comedy Come
practices. This year, a red alert was sounded September, starring Rock Hudson and Gina
on Nariyal Purnima. For centuries, the shift Lollobrigida, was composed by Bobby Darin.
in seasons has been marked and honoured by The melody, a romantic, autumnal tune, still
cultures across the globe. Its significance extends resonates with many. Yet, in India, the song has
beyond the mere positioning of the earth. It has a taken on an entirely different life. It has become a
deep spiritual meaning. staple at Shaadi-Baraat celebrations, sung in every
The September equinox, also known as the conceivable language, and as the tempo builds
autumnal equinox, marks a celestial balance as towards the end, the Baraat transforms into an
the sun sits directly above the earth’s equator, electrifying celebration.
making day and night equal in length across the I don’t know about you, but every time I hear any
world. This year, it falls on September 22. It signals of the Come September variants, I feel like doing a
the transition from the warmth of summer to the jig… even do one, albeit in my mind.
cooler, more reflective days of autumn. Many Enjoy the month ahead and get set for the big
cultures observe the September equinox with festive quarter…
abundant rituals, seeking to balance light and
darkness as we move into a new season, drawing
on the energy of the eclipse to manifest abundance.
As the September equinox approaches, the Vickram Sethi
chances of witnessing the breathtaking aurora Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #63 | SEPTEMBER 2024 3