Varanasi: People perform 'Mahayagya' to appease rain gods

People in Varanasi performed a 'Mahayagya' for good monsoon rains in Uttar Pradesh.

A priest along with residents recited hymns as they performed the rituals on Wednesday.

"We are performing Vedic rituals to impress god Indra so that we receive good rainfall. We also prayed for the happiness and wellbeing of the people of our country so that the country progresses towards development," said the priest, Acharya Dinesh Chandra.

A local resident, Rajendra Trivedi, said there was no respite from the heat wave which is sweeping Varanasi and the entire state.

"We have prayed to the god for safety, security and good showers. The prayers were also held for the welfare of the people," said Trivedi.

As part of the ritual, the people also tied a sacred thread around a tree.

The monsoon has been erratic so far with little rains reported in south India. However, the northern parts of the country are still waiting for the monsoon rains.