Mount Abu “A ghost town July, 3, 2009”

The Day Abu Stood Still: A Community’s Quest to Appease the Rain Gods

Mount Abu town deserted on July 3, 2009

On July 3, 2009, its residents deserted the tiny, one-horse town of Abu. This wasn’t because of a curfew, a ban of any sort, government intervention, or a natural disaster like an erupting volcano. Instead, it was a combined effort by the Banya community and other citizens to appease the rain gods, hoping for abundant rainfall in the upcoming monsoon season. They dedicated the entire day to performing “Havans” (sacred fire rituals) and praying to the rain gods, combining their spiritual endeavours with a community picnic.

Interestingly, before the Havans began, the sky turned overcast, and by afternoon, it rained, hinting at the monsoon. But then something went amiss. Was it the weather presenter’s forecast that failed, or did the smoke from the pure ghee offerings during the Havan not appease the rain gods? Or perhaps it was human greed that disrupted the natural order.

 We often blame global warming for our woes, but maybe it’s our own actions that have led us here. If we could curb our greed and heed the warnings nature gives us, we might create a better, cleaner world.

 If these thoughts resonate with you, do yourself a favour and listen to the voices of today’s youth. Click the link below or copy and paste it into your browser.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WzgVMp7-Lo