Frog wedding solemnized in Udupi to appease rain god

People in Udupi on Saturday solemnized a 'frog wedding' seeking rains and respite from the scorching heat. The area is facing an acute water crisis for the past few months.

Mangaluru (Karnataka): In an attempt to appease the rain god, the 'Udupi Nagarika Vedike' (Udupi Citizen Forum) on Saturday solemnized the marriage of two frogs. Locals believe this ritual, called Mandooka Parinaya, will bring rains and respite from the scorching heat.

According to the Udupi Citizen Forum (UCF), the rain god seems to have deserted the coastal district over the past few months and this has made people struggle for water. The wedding, UCF feels, will get the area the much-needed rains.

The wedding ritual began by catching hold of a male and a female frog from two different villages. Hundreds of guests attended the wedding. The two frogs were attired in custom made outfits for the marriage ceremony.

"The wedding of male frog Varun from Kalsanka and female frog Varsha from Keelinje near Kolagiri was performed as per the Hindu tradition," informed the UCF.

The newly-wed couple will be sent for a honeymoon to Mannapalla near Manipal.