The Fauna Friend..

The site for establishing the Bikaner city was determined by a goat family. Unbelievable! But it is true. Read the following fable as told by a folklorist. Rao Bikaji, Rathore by caste when married the princess of Poogal, Bhati Rajput by caste had to face opposition of conservative Bhatis, who were against this inter caste alliance. Peace loving Rao Bikaji left Jodhpur, after seeking his mother's blessing. During his exile, he took shelter in declivity of sand-dunes of Thar desert. Staying there he observed that everyday a goat family is attacked by a herd of wolves, but she-goat, considered as meek animal managed to save her kids from furious beasts. Inspired by the spirit of goat, Rao Bikaji decided to establish a new state at that location. He felt, rooted here my fellowmen are safe and we should be able to fight back enemies and then by prosper.
According to Roman mythology: Faun is one of rural deities represented with horns, pointed ears and tail of goat and later also with goat's legs like satyrs with whom they are associated. On co-relating this dictionary meaning of Faun and the above stated fable, I quote, "Bikanerites possess a very, deep-rooted faunal bond." This statement is not mere hypothetical, but anyone can feel the symbiotic relationship of various animals and the people of Bikaner, on entering the state and staying even for short period.
While travelling through the district, where drought is persisting from last three years, one can see long stretch of sand with virtually no habitation. There a group of three-four ladies, wearing colourful 'Ghagra-Choli' might appear. 
Earthen pots on their head indicate that they are going to fetch water from mirage of droughty land. Faces are covered by bright 'Odhani' so their emotions cannot be read but they could see their fauna friend - the peacocks. One can witness spectacular scene. Peacocks trying to spread their colourful tail, looking up as if requesting clouds to arrive and pour to fill the empty earthen pots and quench their thirst too. But alas! loyal peacocks are not migrating but dying as it is not raining, only sprinkling of water takes place, just enough to spread earthly aroma for a while. There deers are running in sweltering heat towards mirage and come in front of speeding vehicles. Sacrificing life but not deserting the epoch. One feels so desperate and wants to inhale oxygen to breathe deeply; but no trees in vicinity, only piles of carcasses to emit ammonia and hydrogen sulphide.
The natives feel very sad and helpless at the plight of their friends. They visit the temple of 'Karni Mata' to pray and offer their share of grain to demigod of the temple - Rodents, in the form of 'Prashad'.Offering grain and sweets is not only limited to different religious places. The people of Bikaner follow certain rituals religiously to ensure daily faunal care. Every morning, you are bound to see sparrows, pigeons and squirrels pecking millet (Bajara) and sipping water from earthen dish kept specially for them in each courtyard, terrace or public park and compound. At mid day you can find ladies caressing cows - patiently standing and eating 'Roti' (Bread) offered to them at the doorsteps .The gesture at that moment is like a mother feeding to her child. The practice to keep leftover of luncheon outside the house serves as feast for pig family. At night, men feed dogs at the entrance of their house. The faithful creature keeps alert watch and the owner of the house sleeps peacefully.

Concern for animals is not restricted to domestic and religious fronts but even economy of Bikaner largely depends upon the shoulders of xeric livestock. Bikaneri sweets prepared from cow's milk are sold like hot cakes not only in Bikaner but in each part of our country. 'Rasgullas' are exported to many countries. Milch cows are responsible for entitling Bikaner as 'Denmark of India'-a global recognition. Woolen carpets from the city are in demand at national as well as international plazas. These carpets are mainly woven by the prisoners of Bikaner jail, using wool of indigenous sheeps. Animal love is depicted in the form of finest faunatic weaving pattern of carpets. Camel, peacock, sparrow, goat etc. in their environment are designed so intricately giving beautiful collage look to these ethnic carpets.
The only veterinary college of Rajasthan is in Bikaner, speaks itself for concern of fauna-care. The trained veterinarians from the institute not only look-after the animals of the epoch but go to remotest parts of the state to perform their duty of animal husbandry.

Have I forgotten about 'the ship of the desert'? No, certainly not. Camels hold VIP rank. National Research Center for Camel (NRCC) at Jorbeer is an ideal camel breeding farm where prenatal, natal and postnatal care is up to the mark. NRC for camels is not less than  the AIIMS to us. Believe me, no exaggeration in the statement. Camel festival held in the month of February is the key attraction of tourists. To watch decorated, beautifully shaven camels racing in tracks or dancing rhythmically at 'Karni' stadium of Bikaner is a thrilling experience. In the end, I would like to mention about flying friend from overseas to Kolayat (A tehsil of the district). Elegant, poised Siberian cranes visit Kolayat during winters. What could be the reason of their regular arrival? Is it due to availability of crop and water in abundance in the desert? Not possible. Then what?
In Kolayat near a small pond a 'Pakshi Chuga Ghar' (Pecking compound for Aves) is erected by the villagers. Each family contributes grain and pulses to these migratory birds. 
 
What message are you getting? The hospitality is in Bikaneri blood!  The locals are indeed friends of animals in need.