Frog wedding in India: a mysterious ritual to call for rain (10 photos)

Imagine a noisy celebration on the banks of the sacred Ganges.





But the main characters here are not the usual bride and groom, but... frogs. This unusual ritual, known as a frog wedding, is held when the long-awaited monsoon rains are late.

Wedding hustle by the water



The ceremony is performed by Hindu priests. Everything happens for real: frogs are caught, dressed up and solemnly married as a symbol of fertility and prosperity. Participants in the ceremony, dressed in bright outfits, shower the "groom" and "bride" with flowers and garlands.





To the monotonous mantras of the priests, the frogs, personifying Indra, the god of rain, and Prithvi Devi, the goddess of the Earth, sit on a special platform and even "exchange" flower garlands. The culmination is the sacred knot with which they are connected for the duration of the ritual.

How does a frog wedding take place?



Almost like a human one. This is what it looks like:



Choosing the perfect pair — looking for two healthy frogs, because the future harvest depends on them.

Checking with the heavens — astrologers choose the most favorable day for a "wedding".

Pre-wedding chores - the "bride" is rubbed with turmeric paste and decorated with miniature patterns.

A grand ceremony - a noisy celebration with music and dancing, reminiscent of a traditional Indian procession.

And bon voyage! - after the ceremony, frogs are released into a pond or the Ganges, hoping that their joyful croaking will call for rain.

A feast for the whole world - while the "newlyweds" swim off into the sunset, people throw a festive feast with songs and dances.

Where did this custom come from?



Interestingly, the ancient sacred texts — the Vedas and Puranas — don't mention frog weddings. Historians believe that the tradition originated in northeastern India and then spread throughout the country. Why is it necessary?



Peasants believe that by tying frogs in marriage, they please Varuna (the god of water) and Indra (the god of rain). And their croaking is a sure sign that heavy rains are just around the corner. And in the hot summer, such a holiday is a great way to escape the heat and unite the community before the harvest season.

When and how is the ritual performed?



Frog weddings are usually held in May-June, just before the start of the rainy season. After the ceremony, the "newlyweds" are released into the river - it is believed that this will bring good luck. People perform a puja (ritual offering) to the river, thanking it for future rains and a bountiful harvest.

Controversy over the tradition



In recent years, the ritual has been the subject of controversy: animal rights activists are concerned about the frogs. Fortunately, many now use artificial "grooms" and "brides" so as not to disturb the living creatures.