Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jul 3: Nityanand Olakadu, municipal councillor and the district Nagarika Samiti secretary, had organized the marriage of frogs last time to appease the rain gods.  The effectiveness of that step is debatable. However, this time, he has decided to conduct the 'Seemanta(a Hindu custom performed during the first pregnancy of a woman)' of frogs this year, to pray for rains.

This programme will be held at 4 pm on Saturday July 4 at Sheshashayana Hall of Hotel Kidiyoor here. As in the last year, frogs will be brought from the laboratory of KMC, Manipal. The frogs will be provided the same respect a human being is entitled to and the 'Seemanta' will be conducted just like human beings. Olakadu says, the district received good rains last year after he conducted the marriage of frogs and wants to try a different trick this time.

Parting of the hair of the pregnant woman forms an important custom in 'Seemanta'. How this is conducted in respect of frogs? Large-sized chakkulis are offered to the woman on the family way and the frogs will be treated with chakkulis, he said. But he did not clarify as to how the frogs will eat them. While every one is invited, they will not be treated with feast. They will have to go to Sri Krishna Mutt, where free meal is provided, Olakadu said. There is no need to worry about seating arrangement or rain, as the function is organized in a hall.

Would he be able to find the same couple, the marriage of which he had solemnized last year, this time? For some customs, the frog will have to be brought out of the aquarium. Will it not leap away? What about the grand sari the frog has to wear, let alone gold ornaments. As married women form an important part o the rituals, will he be able to find enough married frogs for the function? Olakadu has left answers to these questions to your imagination. Be there for the 'Seemanta', and at the same time, do not forget to bring your umbrellas, raincoats etc.! Who knows, instead of smiling, the rain god might start laughing.