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BIKANER, INDIA, July 29, 2004: Drought is now a reality for the people of Rajasthan with rain estimated to be 60 percent less than normal. And people are now using all kinds of traditional prayers to try and appease the rain gods. In a unique effort, Muslim Goojars of Bikaner district donated 40,000 litres of milk free to feed the entire city with kheer. Among pastoral societies in this desert region, praying together and community eating of kheer is a traditional mantra to attract rains.



“About 20 years ago, we had organized similar prayers in Bikaner. People from all religions participated, and we got a lot of rain. We still believe that if we pray to God in this way, our offerings will be accepted and we will definitely get rain,” says Mumtaz Bhati, organizer. It took over 1,200 kilos of rice and sugar and over 50 kilos of coconut to prepare this special dish. And the thousands who came to eat it prayed for relief from the impending drought. “Our aim is to pray to God through this feast. If he listens, we will get rains for better crops and fodder to feed our cattle,” says a resident.



Meanwhile, in Jodhpur the scene is strikingly different. At the city’s main Siva temple its not just locals but also tourists from abroad who are offering special prayers for a better monsoon in the desert state. “No rains here. Even in rainy season, there is no rain. So we are praying, ‘please rain’ over here,” said Aayo Kenji, Japanese tourist. Clearly with a drought creeping on them, but no government relief so far, people in Rajasthan now have little hope and are seeking divine blessings for more rain.

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