Describe a Time You got Up Early

“Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise “

I have listened to this very famous proverb countless times since childhood and despite the efforts of  many, I have failed to become an early riser. I feel that I can manage my time well if I study during the night, specially because it is more calm during night. Everything seems more quiet and I am able to concentrate better but there are often several occasions when it is necessary to wake up early.

I belong to a North India Hindu family and we have a lot of religious rituals that take place in the morning and I have to wake up early for each ritual. A few pre – wedding north Indian rituals also happen early in the morning. For example, the famous Haldi ceremony in which the auspicious turmeric paste is applied to the bride and the group happens in the morning. It is a cheerful and a vibrant event where gods are worshipped and people play with turmeric paste.

Recently, I attended a South India wedding with my friends and we were surprised to know that contrary to North Indian weddings, all the south Indian weddings ceremonies happen early in the morning. I had to wake up around 4:00 am to get ready for the ceremony. It was very difficult for me as I am not someone who is habitual to waking up so early. The ceremony schedule disturbed by body clock and left me irritated. My friends convince me to enjoy the rituals instead of complaining and ruining everyone’s mood.

I reached the venue. Everyone was dressed in white and red. I saw the beautiful sunrise for the first time in my life. It was surreal. I started to feel amazing. The bride and the groom look beautiful together. The off-white decor was dreamy. The slow religious music was soothing to the years. It was a long ceremony but I enjoyed every part of it. My friends made the experience even better. After the ceremony, we went out to an amazing breakfast place. We ordered a South Indian platter with mini dosas, idlis and uttapams.

It was a delicious meal and an amazing experience. To my surprise, I really enjoyed that day. It changed my entire perspective about mornings. I used to call myself a sunset person but now I have learned to appreciate sunrises as well. The best way to start your day is to watch a sunrise at a beautiful scenic place. I will always remember that day.