Agartala: As a relentless heatwave grips Tripura’s Khowai district, residents of Asharam Bari village have turned to an age-old ritual in hopes of relief. Amidst an official yellow alert for hot and humid weather, the villagers conducted a wedding ceremony for frogs, a traditional practice known as ‘Bhekuli Biya’.
This ancient ritual, rooted in traditional beliefs, is commonly practiced in Assam and parts of northeastern India. The villagers believe that by ceremonially marrying two frogs, they can appease Varun Devta, the Hindu god of rain, and bring much-needed showers to the parched land.
With soaring temperatures and an escalating water crisis, the villagers saw the ritual as more than just a tradition—it was a desperate plea for relief. “We have been facing a severe water shortage due to the lack of rain,” said a local resident. “The temperature keeps rising every day. This is a very old ritual, and we believe it will bring relief.”
The preparations for the ceremony spanned three days, during which all traditional customs were observed. Villagers carefully selected two frogs, dressed them in decorative attire, and performed the wedding with rituals similar to a traditional Hindu marriage. The event concluded with a community feast as hopeful residents placed their faith in the centuries-old practice to bring rainfall and alleviate their suffering.
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