In a land in which rationality and critical thinking
are in short supply, superstitious practices are plentiful.
India ranks high on such practices.
India ranks high on such practices.
One such practice is invoking the gods for rain in
parched areas.
The gods have to be approached symbolically –
involving either holy men or animals. No explanation is offered.
Holy men soaked in large tubs praying to the gods for rain.
The more amusing route to the gods is through wedding
ceremonies arranged for animals – favourites are donkeys, buffaloes, even
frogs.
But what has all this to do with rain? Tsk, tsk –
you are not to ask questions; reason does not enter the process.
When the remote village of
Takhatpur, India, experienced a severe drought, the villagers decided to summon
the rain gods by getting two frogs married in a ceremony. They believe that
frogs can sense when rain is due. The whole village takes part and the children
watch in wonder (see pic below)
During the ceremony, prayers are said to the
rain gods. The frogs are then doused with an orange powder and pretty
flowers before posing for their wedding photos. Women grip the frogs to stop
them hopping off before the ceremony is completed.
After the ceremony. the newlyweds are
set free near a local stream or river to enjoy their honeymoon.