Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Ploughing the fields of Bihar

My father tells me that the monsoon has been somewhat erratic in India this year, although Mumbai appears to have returned to its usual state for July - wet, with occasional periods of extreme wetness.

However, not everywhere has been that fortunate. Bihar, one of the states on the east coast, renown for its poverty, remains dry. So, farmers there have decided to decided to shame the gods into bringing rain by sending their unmarried daughters to plough the fields naked.

Apparently, this is thought to be the most trusted social custom in the area, although I'm not convinced the daughters remain enthusiastic...

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