Rain washes joy of Janmashtami mela enthusiasts in Rajkot’s Gondal

For the third consecutive day, heavy rain has thrown life out of gear in Gondal. The city recorded nearly 3.5 inches of rainfall, severely affecting the much-awaited local fair on the occasion of Janmashtami (saatam-aatham). With the fairgrounds inundated, several rides were forced to shut down, leaving visitors disappointed.

This spell of torrential rain marks the heaviest downpour since the sowing season. Continuous showers have left the grounds muddy and waterlogged, disrupting festivities and causing major losses to organisers. 

According to the Meteorological Department, rain is expected to continue in Gondal and surrounding areas. While farmers are rejoicing over the rainfall, it has created challenges for both the fair organisers and attendees.

Weather forecast for coming week

As per the forecast, rainfall activity will intensify across Gujarat starting today and is expected to persist for the next five days. A low-pressure system has developed over the Bay of Bengal, which is likely to move towards Gujarat in the next 48 hours. In addition, a monsoon trough is extending down to Rajasthan, north Gujarat, and border regions of Madhya Pradesh, while another trough system is active at the mid-atmospheric level. These combined systems may bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to districts in south Gujarat and Saurashtra.