Parched Udupi marries frogs to please rain gods

Udupi: With pre-monsoon showers playing truant and south west monsoon meandering its way to Kerala almost 10 days behind the schedule, temple town Udupi propitiated ‘Rain God’ with a frog wedding on Saturday. The ‘Manduka Kalyanotsava’ saw ‘Varuna’ and ‘Varsha’ enter into ‘wedlock’ at the auspicious muhurath of Simha Lagna.
The ‘marriage’ was preceded by an elaborate reception that started at Maruthi Veethika and ended at Hotel Kidiyoor. The procession wound its way through Kavi Muddana Marg, Old Diana Circle, before reaching the parking lot of Hotel Kidiyoor.
Organised by Udupi Zilla Nagarika Samiti Trust and Pancharatna Trust, ‘Varsha’ from Kelinje and ‘Varuna’ from Kalsanka in Udupi were housed in a cage and brought to the venue in a cycle rickshaw. Women with self-help groups Matru Mandali and Bhajana mandali initiated the rituals. Chitpadi Nasik Band created the right noises associated with the ‘marriage’. At the auspicious time dictated by the priest, wedding was solemnised. Members of Bhajana Mandali performed the arathi and the newlyweds were returned to the cage. Janardhan Sherigar hosted lunch for the guests. Later, the couple were released at Mannapalla lake.
Nagarika Samiti general secretary Nithyananda Olakadu said, “Four frogs were brought in, and a zoologist’s help was sought to pick ‘Varuna’ and ‘Varsha’, a male and a female. We organised this ritual because Udupi is facing acute drinking water shortage and hope it ends soon.” Social worker Tharanath Mestha said, “This kalyanotsava was organised as per Hindu rituals. Despite criticism, we are doing this for betterment of society and for rain.”