Monsoon Season at the Abode: The Wet Hug of Mount Abu
In Mount Abu, everyone looks forward to the spectacle of the Southwest monsoons arriving. Rain usually arrives by June 12th, much to the relief of the parched land and the hope of the farmers. The traditional celebration of St. Anthony’s Day, June 13, in Goa, coincides closely with the monsoon season. The locals have a peculiar custom if the rains don’t come by then. They parade St. Anthony’s statue around the streets, and some of them make a lighthearted but sincere appeal to the saint by submerging it in wells or soaking it in cold water.
We saw the first indications of the monsoon’s embrace yesterday. The clouds opened up, promising, and Mount Abu was greeted with a brief shower and a hint of thunder. I’m glad I took a picture of these moments with my phone and am posting it on my blog.
The All India Radio Tower Mount Abu
The All India Radio tower opposite my house.
The meteorologist says this year’s monsoon will be moderate. In Mount Abu, we have a special method for anticipating rain: we gaze to Mumbai. When Mumbai receives its first substantial monsoon rain, we know our turn is approximately 10 days away. Thus, we wait for the rains in Mumbai with crossed fingers and high hopes.
But there is a wild side to life in Mount Abu as well. A Rottweiler was attacked by a leopard only last night in Dhoondai, close to the Jal Hotel. This time, the dog was saved by the prompt action of the residents and security personnel, who scared the leopard away. However, the event serves as a sharp reminder of the ongoing conflict that exists in this area between people and wildlife. We hope that in further interactions, the dog stays safe.
As the monsoon alters Mount Abu, stay tuned for more updates and pictures.
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