Dada Mahotsav: Ancient Rope Ball Game Predicts Bhilwara's Weather and Prosperity

• Dhanop Dada Mahotsav in Bhilwara uses a centuries-old tradition to predict rainfall and prosperity, contrasting with modern meteorological methods.
• A 7 kg rope 'Dada' (ball) is central to the game; its direction after rituals by Thakur Satyendra Singh Ranawat and Jenendra Singh Ranawat determines the prophecy.
• The village divides into two teams for the game, played peacefully without a referee, with sand spread for player safety.
• This year, the 'Dada' stopped within Dhanop Garh, indicating a 'normal' rainfall year, according to chief priest Satyadev Jitendra Parashar.
• Thousands attend the festival from Bhilwara, Shahpura, Kekri, Udaipur; electricity is shut off and police deployed for safety.

Why It Matters: Dada Mahotsav is a unique Bhilwara tradition predicting weather and prosperity through a rope ball game.