From clouds to culture: A traveler's monsoon in Rajasthan

Rajasthan is not just a princely state but also a region where one can travel and see the beauty in the rains as well.

- PRAKASH CHANDRA SHARMA

In agriculture-dominated India, for centuries, people in villages have been living amid the uncertainty of rain, and they have developed many traditions, beliefs and folk science related to weather. These traditions include traditional knowledge arising from the experiences of agriculture, animal husbandry and general lifestyle. This is the reason why even today it is necessary to discuss the nature of rain, folk science traditions, their scientific background and their utility in today's context.

The folk beliefs and folk science traditions related to rain forecast in our villages are very rich. These traditions are based on experience, nature observation, animal and bird behavior and astronomical events.

1. Weather forecast from Ashadhi clouds: In Rajasthan, farmers predict rain during the month of Ashadha (June-July) by looking at the direction of the sky, the color, shape and speed of the clouds. If dark, heavy clouds come in the sky from the west or south, then it is considered a sign of good monsoon.

2. Behavior of birds and animals The call of the Chatak bird (Papiha) is also considered to be an indicator of rain. This bird is a migratory bird and it moves ahead of the rain, that is, its arrival is the arrival of rain, such is the belief. If it is speaking loudly, then rain is considered to be near.