Bastar, July 20 -- In the heart of Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, a cultural landscape renowned for preserving its centuries-old tribal heritage, residents from three neighbouring villages recently pooled resources to host a grand, traditional wedding.

However, this was no ordinary human union; the bride and groom were ancient rain deities, carved out of the sacred Mahua tree, brought together in holy matrimony to invoke the monsoon rains.

Faced with a severe spell of inadequate rainfall that threatens local agriculture, the community of Tokapal turned to an ancestral tradition: marrying the rain deities Bhima and Bhimin. According to deep-rooted local beliefs, these deities ascend to appeal directly to Lord Indra, the god of rain, ensur...