Eunuch community dance for rains in Bhopal

{image-Eunuchs dance_22082008.jpg news.oneindia.in}Bhopal, Aug 22: Wearing colourful clothes and performing various dance numbers, eunuchs took out a huge procession throughout the city with the hope that their gesture would bring in some rains.

The procession has become a tradition for these eunuchs who believe that their ancestors started these prayers. "There was a time when it did not rain, we offered prayers and it rained, since then we have started this festival. We started preparation two months ago. People come from far off places. Life is incomplete without water, " said Suresh Nayak, a eunuch community head.

All the eunuchs of the state collect at one place and balance Bhujeria (holy pot) on their heads and then walk across the town. They then leave these 'bhujeria' in a pond.

"We pray to god that there should be adequate rains this year. That is why we take out these 'bhujerias'," said dolly, a eunuch.

It is believed that many years back when there was no rainfall in Bhopal the then 'Nawabs' requested the eunuchs to dance in order to please God Indra. Since then this custom is religiously followed by the eunuchs who observe this unique festival annually, dancing and praying to god for rains.

ANI