Havan help us

Bangloreans perform 11-day ritual to overcome the curse they believe is responsible for the floods and loss of lives

Havan help us

Bangloreans perform 11-day ritual to overcome the curse they believe is responsible for the floods and loss of lives

Prominent city businessmen too are participating in the 11-day rituals that began on Monday at the Shanthinagar playground.

"We started the rituals in the wake of the recent rains. We are also collecting funds, food and clothes for the victims," said Ramesh Yadav, president, Richmond Town and Shanthinagar Business Welfare Association, which is known for its unique rituals to tackle issues like terrorism and swine flu.

Swa ha! Residents of Richmond Town perform rituals in wake of floods in Karnataka at Shanthi Nagar in Bangalore on Monday. BJP President of Shanthinagar Assembly constituency RV Ramesh Yadav takes part in the ceremony. Pic/Satish Badiger

Divine curse

Attributing the heavy downpour and loss of lives to a divine curse, a puja was performed for Shani shanti, as the havoc is believed to have been caused because of Panchama Shani Kata. "A sacred place like the Mantralaya temple gets flooded only because of some curse. That's how we astrologers analyse causes for such natural calamities. So, we are performing certain rituals, which may stop the heavy downpour," said Kumaraswamy Sharma, the main priest conducting the rituals.

Other rituals like Sudarshan Surya Mandala, Rahu shanthi, Ketu shanthi and Rudrabhisheka are also being performed, as residents believe they are the solution to natural disasters that result in loss of lives and property.

Helping hand

Bangloreans are doing their best to help the distressed in every possible manner. They are also collecting foodgrains, clothes and bedsheets from every house volunteering to help those affected by the floods.

The funds will be donated to the CM relief fund. "By roping in citizens, we will be able to reach everyone in our constituency who are willing to donate," explained Yadav. He added, "Those who wish to help in any possible way can call on 9738035380. We will start off from Shanthinagar and try to reach as many Bangaloreans as possible."

Serious damage
The state has estimated the loss caused by the floods to roads, bridges, culverts, houses, village and infrastructure and standing crops in 25 lakh hectares area to Rs 16,500 crore.

Around 2.5 lakh houses have either collapsed or been damaged by the torrential rains with as many as 1.8 crore people affected.

Rs 1 lakh
The amount sanctioned by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the families of those killed in the deluge

2 lakh
The number of houses Chief Minister B Y Yeddyurappa promised to construct for flood affected people

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