Himachal rural women observe fast in temples to bring rain

Shimla, Apr 16 (ANI): Women devotees of the drought affected Braila village and its neighbouring areas in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmour District have been fasting for over a week for rain.

Over the past seven days, they have gathered at local temples, praying for the rain gods to shower the blessings with ample downpour.

It is believed by the locals that during drought if they offer prayers in the temple of Bijat Maharaj (local rain god), their fasting penance is answered with the clouds opening up to drench their areas with good showers.

This traditional ritual of fasting is known as 'Nahrol'.

The villagers in Sirmour region as well as the priest of the temple said that this tradition of pleasing the god for rain has been in vogue from times immemorial.

"The women are performing Nahrol. Out of them the eldest is Kavita Devi who is 70 years old...all these women haven't eaten anything for the past seven days. During evening all people come here, the women pray to the Gods and Goddesses. These women haven't eaten anything and they have complete faith, thy by doing so, it will rain," said Yagnya Dutt Sharma, a local.

Over 80 percent of the population in Sirmour District is dependent on agriculture and farming of cash crop.

This year with the mercury soaring high, the draught conditions have affected the crops in early April. (ANI)