Wonders of the Monsoon

Episode 1

Waiting for the Rains

59 mins

Monsoons are vegetation-vital rain seasons caused by major temperature contrasts, as between the cool oceans and the Australian land mass, or between the Tibetan highland and the Himalaya. It's awaited anxiously by many people and animals, needing water and green plants, while some profit from easy prey congregation, as tigers lurking around the last pools fit for deer. For some the very heat can be fatal on top of thirst, as for overheated bats drinking in crocodile-infested rivers. Mating or near-rape must go on in time for offspring to enjoy the rich season, even if females and present young are thirst-exhausted. The colorful Hindu festival in India is among the ancient Hindu rituals pleading for the gods to bring needed rain, even if its excess can also be hazardous.