Rain hopes tied to toads

Two giant toads were married in a traditional Hindu ceremony in eastern India at the weekend by Khochakandar villagers hoping to appease the rain gods and end a dry spell.

The toads were dressed in bright red clothes and brought to the marriage venue in a decorated palanquin.

They were released into a pond after the ceremony.

The village has been reeling under a severe heat wave with temperatures touching 44C.