Special prayers to please rain gods held in Shimla

Shimla, May 7 (ANI): Hindu priests organised special prayers here for rain in drought-affected villages near the hill town of Shimla.

Eleven Hindu priests held a three-day-long special prayers in a temple to Lord Shiva in Faret village near Shimla.

"This fire ritual has been organized by the all Brahmins (Hindu priests) for rain. In these prayers, 11 Brahmins were sitting for prayers for rain in the area. Everyone has wished for rain, as there has been drought-like situation here. We are hopeful that with the blessings of Lord Shiva we will soon have rain here," said Rajender Sharma, village temple priest.

Villagers said that they have been facing a drought-like situation for the last two years.

"If you cross through the village, you'll see all the fields have turned barren. Locals and school children are fetching water from some 10 kilometers away. Drinking water crises has affected the villagers seriously. There is no drinking water available here," said Tulsiram Sharma, a villager.

This year, with the mercury soaring high, the drought conditions have affected the crops in early April.

Farmers are worried not only for their crops but also about water for drinking since almost all the sources have dried up.

The scorching weather, which officials say would continue over northern, northwestern and central India for some time, also may impact irrigation.

Water crisis is not a new phenomenon in India. Many parts of the country experience water shortage. (ANI)