Mangalore : The three coastal districts in Karnataka are getting wet in steady rains since the 64th  I-day after a small break, when blazing sun created oppressive heat off and on in small periods between rains since May.  Aati had enough rains, but there was no thunder or lighting, which perhaps got spread out to other areas, while rains belonged to us. The fishermen started their fishing season after 2 months and prawns were available in plenty. There was no rain on the Independence Day Parade in the morning, either in Mangalore, Udupi or Karwar, not even in Delhi. But they returned next day. Sunday night rains continued on Monday night too, like a fever. A boat capsized at Ullal coast, with 3 dead and one survived by swimming in the sea to the shore. Two bodies (Tamilian) were found. Pure rains (without fanfare) continued on Tuesday afternoon, but no reports of loss. We have no refugee problem like Pakistan reeling under floods. Kashmir had its shore of flash floods in Himalayan Ladakh, but we here were quite safe.
Fishermen were warned by District Administration in Udupi about high tides in sea, and told not to go fishing.
Dark clouds were hovering over coastal region from Kasaragod to Karwar, and the seas were rough and musical (at night) in voice. Fishermen enter seas at their own risk, but divers are ready if a boat or a cargo ship sends ‘SOS’ signals. Hundreds of trawlers and other boats are still at sea on Tuesday evening.
In the next 48 hours, heavy rains are due on the west coast. It is Shravan month here and women are busy making Chudis out of flowers-grass-leaves, Tulsi Puja and dishes every week for the family and guests in the locality. Aati month among Tuluvas was celebrated as a rainy month with Aati Kalenja, Chennemane chess boards and special dishes in several rural and semi-urban areas in neighbourhood atmosphere.
Don’t forget fierce winds when we talk of    rains in Shravan, which poet Bendre recalls as Ravana.