The rainy season is here. Even though it's the month of Sawan and the celestial timings are right, the rain seems elusive. Some areas experience heavy downpour, while others endure a dry spell. There’s a famous tale of Emperor Akbar who once posed a riddle in his court, asking, "If we subtract 2 from 12, what remains?" The entire court answered 10, yet Akbar’s intention wasn't mere arithmetic but a deeper query on the importance of the rainy months, Sawan and Bhadon, necessary for farmers.
The Story of Akbar-Birbal and Rain
Emperor Akbar’s favorite and clever minister, Birbal, joined the scene and, upon hearing the riddle, provided a witty response, "Your majesty, without Sawan and Bhadon, nothing remains, for these months are crucial for crops, farmers, and above all, the kingdom’s prosperity." This dialogue emphasizes the critical need for rain during the monsoon season.
Source: aajtak
The Importance of Sawan and Bhadon
The months of Sawan and Bhadon (Bhadrapada) are pivotal, as the monsoon rains should ideally drench the land. In their absence, not only is the agricultural cycle disrupted, but the livelihood and traditional farm practices, deeply rooted in rural life, are jeopardized.
Mahakavi Ghagh and His Aphorisms
Wise ancient predictions were made by scrutinizing planetary alignments, a tradition Mahakavi Ghagh exemplified through his insightful poetry focused on rain and farming.
Let's explore some of Mahakavi Ghagh’s insightful sayings that have guided generations of Indian farmers:
If the breeze blows from the east in Sawan month, sell your calf and buy a cow.
This implies predicting a drought. Ghagh advises farmers to be prepared by trading animals that can provide milk.
If clouds gather on Friday and linger on Saturday, they won’t disappear without rain.
It means expect rain if such conditions persist.
If during Rohini Nakshatra there is rain, and Mrigashira is dry but Ardra brings light showers, farmers will enjoy an abundant rice harvest.
If there’s no rain during Uttara and Hasta Nakshatra but a downpour in Chitra, expect a reasonable yield.
In Purva Nakshatra, sow half rice and half foxtail millet for a balanced harvest.
and many more similar insightful predictions sprinkled with cultural beliefs.
