The incessant rains for the last two days have brought cheers for everybody here. Even if there was rain for a few days initially after June 10, but it was sporadic while the present one marks the true beginning of the monsoon.
Although it was very scanty in the early morning, but the sky was totally over cast. And rain increased gradually to reach the peak by 1 pm on Wednesday. Needless to say, the residents here not only expressed their pleasure but also welcomed the arrival of the true monsoon.
Normally, people expect a rain after Sital Sasthi as per their traditional belief. It also happens most of the years. Even if Sasthi came late this year due to the double Jestha (Two Jestha months according to the lunar calendar), rain God, much to the disappointment of the people and even the devotees, failed its date this year.
Even , there was no sporadic rain after Sasthi. But today morning’s rain fall brought smile in the faces of the people and the farmer community in particular.
“Today’s rain is almost like a life saving rain. June is going to be over. But the rainfall was not up to the quantity required for agricultural activities. However, today’s rain is a consolation for all,” said Jagannath Pradhan, a farmer.
However, district emergency officer (DEO) Sanjeev Kumar Pujari informed that the rainfall for the month of June till of 8.00 am today was 144.04 mm as against 221 mm normal rainfall of the month. “But today’s rainfall will surely add to the figure to come near 221,” he added.
It is further learnt that most parts of the western region has received substantial rainfall on Wednesday. “People got disappointed due to the erratic rainfall after June 10, supposed to be the beginning of the monsoon season. But looking at today’s situation, we are hopeful again as our city also experienced rain,” informed Saroj Dash, from drought prone Titilagarh of Balangir district.