Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jun 8: This news from Udupi is about an odd marriage, matrimony of two frogs. It may come as a shock but it is true. Locals have married off two wild frogs with a means to appease the Lord Varuna.
As per Hindu mythology, Varuna is the god of oceans. According mythical beliefs union of wild frogs will bless the lands with rainfall and rid them of drought.
The marriage conducted is required to follow the traditional Hindu rituals. The frogs in context here are the bride Varsha from Kolalagiri and the groom Varuna from Kalsanka. The marriage took place on Saturday, June 8 at Hotel Kediyoor.
The ceremony was arranged by Nityananda Olakadu, Udupi district citizen committee trust and Pancharathna seva trust.
When asked about this matrimony, Nityananda Olakadu, one of the organizers said, ''There is a severe water problem in Udupi. People are struggling to do daily chores. This kind of a ceremony has taken place seven years ago as well. The myth which surrounds the frogs is that if there is croaking there will be rain. Human beings have destroyed this environment and continue to do so. We hope that this way Udupi will be blessed with rainfall soon.''
He added that this action was met criticism and considered superstitious. He argued that it is all about faith. Further, he said that the path of faith has never been easy and that it has always been critiqued.
The ceremony was seen by several locals who gathered out of sheer curiosity.
Once the ceremony concluded, as per the tradition food was served to the crowd by the organizers.