Braying for rain: Village residents and leaders pose for a photograph with the newly wedded donkeys ‘Megharaj’ and ‘Vasundhara’ at Amminabavi village in Dharwad district on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Amid poor rainfall, the practice of conducting “marriages” of frogs and donkeys in the belief that it pleases the rain gods has made a comeback. Amminabhavi in Dharwad district witnessed one such donkey “marriage” on Saturday, with the entire village gathering to bless the newlyweds.
Priest Somaling Guddadamath and astrologer S.M. Prashanth Rajguru conducted the marriage with full rituals in place, a mangalya tied to the neck of “bride Vasundhara” signalling her “marriage” with “groom Megharaj.” The residents had even organised an “engagement ceremony” on Friday night.
Published – July 04, 2026 08:00 pm IST
