‘Jal Chhaee’ performed at Bhootnath temple for rain

To pray for bringing an end to the four-month-long dry spell in the valley, residents of Kullu town performed “Jal Chhaee” at the Bhootnath temple in the Sarwari area of Kullu town today. In this procedure, the Shiva Lingam is immersed in the temple sanctum sanctorum by bringing water from the Beas.

Devotees had gathered at the temple since 7 am and brought small buckets. A human chain was made from the temple to the river. The lingam was encircled by blockages and water was ferried in buckets through the human chain. It took around 3 hours to submerge the lingam, after which the ritual was completed.

A resident Yashpal said the procedure of “Jal Chhaee” was carried out to appease Lord Shiva for rain. He said, “When there is a dry spell for a long time, prayer is offered to the Lord to end the drought. Such a ritual was held about 30 years ago, when there was no rain in the valley for a long time, and after the ‘Jal Chhaee’, it is believed it rained in the region.”

Cases of forest fires are also being reported continuously in the valley. People are suffering from various ailments and health issues due to the dry weather. Crops are drying up due to no rain and the drinking water crisis also staring at residents.

Last year, the higher reaches of the valley, including the 13,058-foot-high Rohtang Pass, had witnessed good snowfall in mid-October. This year, however, the peaks around Kullu and Manali were dry. The dry spell has increased the worries of farmers and horticulturists.

Nakul Khullar, an orchardist who has got “award of excellence” in the field of horticulture, said snow is considered white manure and is a boon for the apple trees. He said, “Snow is essential to complete the ‘chilling hours’ required for the apple trees, which is beneficial to the crop during blooming and fruition. Apple crop is sensitive to growing conditions and requires temperatures less than 7°C for 800 to 1600 hours yearly, depending upon various varieties, for a better crop and to keep various ailments at bay. Snow also hampers growth of harmful insects found in the soil which keeps the plants healthy.”