Because India is a tropical, developing country, it relies very heavily on agriculture to feed itself. It is estimated that 70% of India's population is involved in agricultural production. Agriculture is critically sensitive to the weather. Too much or too little rain can have a devastating effect on crop production, and can be a matter of life and death for millions of people...
The arrival of the monsoon is celebrated all over India. Before the rains come, the country becomes painfully hot. Tempers become short; there are fights, murders and suicides; and everyone prays for rain. After its arrival people throw parties outside, give blessings to their gods and generally give thanks for the rain...
Another interesting feature of the mudbanks is that shrimps seem to be attracted to the mud, and consequently catching them becomes particularly easy. Fishermen can take thousands of dollars worth in a single catch. The phenomenon is known in the area as Chakara, and for Keralan fishermen has all the aspects of a gold-rush as they compete to harvest the bounty of the monsoon.
MAN AND THE MONSOON:
It is impossible to overestimate the importance of the monsoon to the cultural life of India. Every aspect of Indian culture has been affected in some way by the annual cycle of the rains. It is celebrated in their literature, songs, classical music, films, religions and myths. Its appearance is awaited with bated breath by newspapers and politicians, and debated anxiously around the country.
