India Sizzles, Rajasthan Locals Seek Hope In Titahari Bird Eggs For Good Rainfall

As North India grapples with scorching temperatures, with the capital city recently hitting a record high of 49.9 degrees Celsius, the quest for relief has taken an unexpected turn in Rajasthan. Amidst the sweltering heat, residents are finding solace in the presence of the Titahari bird and its eggs. Intrigued? Allow us to elaborate.

More the eggs, more the rain

In Rajasthan, the Titahari or Titudi bird is associated with the arrival of rainfall. Commonly known as the Red-Wattled Lapwing, locals believe that when these birds lay their eggs on high ground, it signals good rains ahead. 

Titahari bird/ Wikipedia

These ground-nesting birds can be found in open grasslands, on small stones, abandoned buildings, and rooftops, laying 4 to 6 eggs from April to early June.

When heavy rain is anticipated, the bird is said to lay its eggs in elevated locations to protect them and their chicks. 

Titahari bird egg/ Patrika

Conversely, in anticipation of normal or below-average rainfall, they nest in lower areas and their presence on riverbanks suggests average rainfall. 

Additionally, for rural communities in Bharatpur, the number of eggs laid, especially if it's six, is seen as a positive sign for abundant crops and rainfall. 

Farmers also believe that the number of eggs predicts the duration of rainfall nationwide, serving as an early warning for the monsoon's arrival.

Heat to reduce soon with monsoon around the corner

Temperature soars in India

As India continues to endure scorching heat, the IMD has announced that the southwest monsoon is likely to reach Kerala within the next 24 hours. 

Meanwhile, Cyclone Remal's impact is evident in northeast Assam and surrounding areas, bringing light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms to Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim over the next seven days.

The IMD also forecasts light to moderate rainfall in Bihar, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, and Odisha for the next five days, with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds expected on May 31 and June 1. 

Despite these developments, many regions in Northwest, West, Central, and East India continue to experience temperatures above 40°C.

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