Madan Gupta Saptu
Monsoon is predicted by humans and even birds are not behind. One such bird is the Tithari, which has been given such a charisma by nature, which through its eggs indicates a good monsoon. Tithari accurately predicts rain through eggs in the fields. From the number of its eggs and their position, it can be ascertained how many months and how it will rain.
The Tithari bird has laid four eggs on the high ridge of the field before the monsoon. Due to this, the native meteorologist i.e. the elders of the village believe that this time the rainy season will last for a full 4 months and there is a possibility of good monsoon. The movement of the Tithari bird is monitored to get an idea of the monsoon. Tithari lays eggs before monsoon. If Tithari lays two eggs, then it is believed that the monsoon period will be 2 months. Tithari has laid four eggs at a high place, in such a situation it is believed that this time the rainy season will last for 4 months and it is a sign of good monsoon. If this female lays six eggs, then there is a hope of good yield and rain in monsoon.
The breeding of Tithari, which dwells on open grasslands, small stones, deserted havelis and deserted terraces, takes place during the month of March to August. It is believed that if the titri lays its eggs at a high place, then the rain intensifies. If the tithari lays its eggs at a lower place, there is less rainfall that year. If there are three eggs then 3 months and if there are 4 then 4 months of rain is predicted. On the other hand, torrential rains during monsoon when the eggs of Tithari are facing towards the ground, average rainfall when laid on a flat place and drought if laid in a pit is estimated.
birds and ants
Rainfall is also estimated by the height of the bird’s nest. If the bird has built the nest at a high enough height, it is considered a symbol of good rainfall. If the nest is low, rainfall is also predicted to be below normal. Apart from animals, trees and plants also help in estimating rainfall. It is believed that if a bird bathes in dusty soil, it is a sign of early rain. It is believed that if you see a bird bathing in dusty soil, it rains within 24 hours.
Similarly, if ants are seen making a queue and carrying their eggs from one direction to another, then it should be understood that it is going to rain soon. Ants sense moisture in the ground very quickly, so they move their eggs to a safer place in view of possible rain and these are signs of rain.
Trees and plants also help in estimating rainfall. It is believed that the rain starts within 45 days of the flowering of a tree named Golden Shower. Similarly, if the neem tree is filled with flowers, it is considered a sign of very good rain.
1- If a flock of cranes is seen flying in the sky forming a circular parabola, then it is considered a sign of early rain.
2- If termites start building houses fast on the trees, then it is considered a sign of good rain.
3- Dancing of peacocks, roaring of frogs and screaming of owls are considered as a sign of rain all over India.
4- If the goats start flapping their ears loudly, then it is also considered an indicator of early rain.
5- If the sheep suddenly gather in their group and stand silently, then it is understood that heavy rain is about to start.
6-If the caterpillars start looking for a hiding place for themselves, then it is also considered a sign of the onset of rain soon.
7- At dusk, if the voice of a fox comes from a distance like screaming in pain, then it is considered a sign of rain.
The estimation of crows in the context of rain is quite accurate. If crows make their nest in the month of May on thorny trees like Acacia or Savar, then there is less chance of rain. Conversely, if they nest on a mango or karanj tree, it is a sign of good rain.