Water, in whatever form, brings life and energy.
But when it descends from the skies as rain,
it is truly a life-saving blessing for many.

This year, however, the regular monsoon rains for Saurashtra
were already more than late.
Rather spitefully, they teased the desperate farmers and village-folk.
For months, clouds would gather raising hopes of rain.
But then soon they would disperse
leaving behind parched throats, parched fields -
and worst of all, parched hope.

Forecasts of yet another drought
frightened the normally resilient people of Saurashtra.
Could they actually endure a fourth consecutive year without sufficient rainfall? Their only stream of hope came from the blessings of Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
"Be patient," he insisted faithfully.
"God will surely answer our prayers. It will rain!
Yes, it is late - but better late than never. Let us persist in our prayers."

And rain it did.
Late in the afternoon of September 21, the skies darkened.
Thick, dense clouds congregated.
There was a bolt of lightning.
A tremendous clap of thunder.
And with a shudder, the clouds let loose.

Presented in this photo story are just a few glimpses of the infusing power of rain -
how just a little over an hour of rain in Sarangpur
brought life and joy to people and peacocks alike.

The event captured in photos provides a deeper appreciation
of the mood and merriment underlying the scenes.