Chapter 22 - Meghraja Nu Vrat

It is the eighth month of jeth. In afternoon there is scorching heat. During those burning hours women who observe religious vow come out of their homes. They put a wooden pallet on their heads. On the low bench of wood they install two clay idols. They introduce these idols as the idols of the King Rain. Carrying these idols they visit various homes.

While going from one home to another home on the way they sing the following song:

Ambli hethe talav
Sarvar hele chhadiyu re
Sahiyar na”va na jaish re
Dedko tani jashe re
Dedkani tani kem jaish,
Mari ma jili leshe re!

Under the tamarind tree there is the lake.
Water of the lake gushes rapidly
Oh! Friend don‘t go for bath
The frog will drag you.
How can I be dragged by frog?
My mother will come at rescue!

Later on they start a parody to request ‘the king rain’ and the lightening:

O vijali re
Tu ne mari ben! Avgan ma na lyo!
O Meghraja!
A shi tamari tev! Avgan ma na lyo!
Peli vijali risai jai chhe.
Peli bajri sukai jay chhe.
Peli jaro na mul jai re
O Meghraja!
A shi tamari tev! Avgan ma na lyo!

Oh lightening!
You are my sister! Do not disregard us!
Oh, the King Rain!
What type of habit you have? Please don‘t disregard us.
The lightening gets offended.
The millet is getting dry.
The roots of the corn are getting destroyed
Oh the King Rain!
What type of habit you have? Do not disregard us.

During this moment, the family members of the observer of the ritual pour water over the statue. The observers of the ritual get drenched with water.

Then they sing the remaining parody.

Megho varshiyo re
Varshiyo kai mare desh! Avgan ma na lyo!
O Meghraja!
A shi tamari tev! Avgan ma na lyo!

It rained
It had rained in my country! Please don‘t disregard us.
Oh the King Rain!
What habit you have? Please do not disregard us!

Oh the king rain do not keep such habit. Do not pay attention to our limitation and please pour in here very early.