Date:30/08/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/08/30/stories/2004083004670600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Going the extra mile for rain

By Our Staff Reporter

SRISAILAM, AUG. 29. Residents of a nondescript village in Aspari mandal of Kurnool district have undertaken a marathon walk to Srisailam to fetch water from the Krishna river to appease the rain god.

The contingent, comprising some 120 women and 280 men from Mulagundam village, arrived here today after five days trekking.

Another team proceeded on foot to Gangavaram in Nandavaram mandal to fetch water from the Tungabhadra.

The ritual of appeasing gods in all temples and also a prayer in the mosque will take place on Saturday after the two contingents reach the village with "the holy water'' from the two rivers.

Interestingly, members of the Muslim community have also volunteered to join the mission.