Tumakuru: Performing poojas as part of rituals to invoke the rain god was present in olden days, but performing marriage of animals is now on the rise. As many districts are going through a dry spell due to lack of rains, farmers are leaning towards popular beliefs and conducting various rituals.

The residents of Neralakere in Madhugiri taluk, got hold of three donkeys and married them off to each other with all the traditional rituals to appease rain gods. Everyone in the village lent a helping hand. Local drummers offered their services for free. The public contributed money to prepare ‘prasadam’ and distribute it.

The farmers in the district are in dire straits as the ragi, jowar and groundnut they have sown are withering. Their coconut and arecanut farms too are bearing the brunt of the drought.