Bhuj, 6 September, 2011

Bhuj’s Hamirsar lake has started overflowing following heavy rain in Bhuj and in entire district since yesterday. Bhuj experienced 8 inch rain in 8 hours today. 9 dams are now overflowing in the district. Several areas of Bhuj and Madhapar are water logged.

In Gujarat’s Kutch district, a 500-year-old Hamirsar lake of capital town Bhuj is so important for locals that, they celebrate whenever this lake overflows during monsoon. The people of Bhuj town go on one-day leave a day after Hamirsar lake overflows.

As soon as Hamirsar lake overflows, the news spread like wild fire. Many people rush to throng the talav, performing puja on its banks, hundreds pour in just for a dekko…

Records at the district collectorate say the talav has overflown just 19 times since Independence, all joyous occasions, enough for the administration to declare an official holiday.

Hundreds of Kutchis settled abroad are calling Bhuj to confirm this news. The Hamirsar overflowing has sent ripples of joy all across.