Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Heavy rains or Sufi 'miracle' ?


By Tom Anderson - The Independent - U.K.
Saturday, August 19, 2006

Thousands of people ignored repeated pleas from officials and swarmed over one of India's most toxic beaches after rumours spread that the sea water had turned sweet and could cure illnesses.

Traffic came to a standstill as crowds rushed to the Mahim beach in Bombay and drank water from cupped hands before taking it home in bottles, jars and makeshift containers.

Many saw it as a blessing from Makhdoom Ali Mahimi, a 13th-century Sufi saint.

Scientists, however, have speculated the phenomenon could be due to heavy rains in the area. Rainwater, lighter than seawater, drains into the sea and floats to the surface, tasting relatively sweet.

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Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Heavy rains or Sufi 'miracle' ?

By Tom Anderson - The Independent - U.K.
Saturday, August 19, 2006

Thousands of people ignored repeated pleas from officials and swarmed over one of India's most toxic beaches after rumours spread that the sea water had turned sweet and could cure illnesses.

Traffic came to a standstill as crowds rushed to the Mahim beach in Bombay and drank water from cupped hands before taking it home in bottles, jars and makeshift containers.

Many saw it as a blessing from Makhdoom Ali Mahimi, a 13th-century Sufi saint.

Scientists, however, have speculated the phenomenon could be due to heavy rains in the area. Rainwater, lighter than seawater, drains into the sea and floats to the surface, tasting relatively sweet.

No comments: