Research source

To stop an incessant fall of rain, people often observe the Aladra vow

Date of account: Published 1914
Source: Folk Lore Notes. Vol. I—Gujarat
Reference: Folk Lore Notes. Vol. I—Gujarat · selected passage 20
Rights: public_domain
Language: English
Record updated: 2026-08-25

Record summary

Published source text

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Source passage

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To stop an incessant fall of rain, people often observe the Aladra vow. The patel or headman issues a proclamation that on a particular day none should cook, or churn whey, or fetch water, or wash clothes, or attend to any of the multifarious household duties; but that all should pass the day in prayer. A complete cessation from toil in favour of earnest devotion to divine powers are the peculiar features of this vow. People do not abstain from food: but food must be prepared on the previous day. If the rains do not cease in spite of this vow, but threaten the village with inundation, the headman leads a procession to the confines of the village and makes an offering to the waters.

Historical context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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Modern context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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