BARMER, May 1 -- Rajasthan is likely to witness a good monsoon this year, with almost no chance of drought, according to predictions made through the traditional method practised in Barmer. On Wednesday, local residents followed the age-old customs to forecast rainfall and the market rates of major grains using clay pots, cotton, and jaggery, and even flies - methods deeply rooted in local belief and history, people aware of the matter said. As part of the tradition, five clay pots were filled with equal amounts of water and named after the hindu months of Jeth, Ashadh, Sawan, Bhadon, and Tham. This year, the pots named Jeth and Ashadh cracked simultaneously, which is interpreted as a sign of good rainfall in those two months. Later, the pot, Tham, also cracked, leading the elders to conclude that the region will receive rainfall throughout the monsoon season, even if it is sometimes light, they added. Hansraj Kotadiya, president of the Grain Trade Association, said that about 75% of these predictions have historically proven accurate. Like every year, traders gathered in the grain market to observe the omens and finalise their plans for the upcoming agricultural cycle, he added. Another ritual involved placing white and black cotton balls in a bowl of water. This time, the white cotton sank, considered to be a positive omen, indicating good rainfall. According to local belief, had the black cotton sunk, it would have pointed towards the threat of drought, the people added. In addition to predicting weather, Barmer's traders also use traditional methods to determine grain prices for the upcoming season. Mandi trader Gautam Chaman said that these customs began at a time when scientific forecasting tools were not available. "Elders would rely on these natural signs and symbolic rituals to plan their farming activities. As predictions began aligning with actual rainfall patterns, this practice turned into a regular tradition observed annually on Akshaya Tritiya. Even today, despite the availability of modern technology, many locals continue to trust and follow these customs as part of cultural heritage."...