<p>Jodhpur: While crows are usually fed only during the 'Shraddh' period (Pitru-Paksha), a couple in Jodhpur has been feeding them every day for the past 15 years.</p><p>Praveen Panwar, a 70-year-old retired railway employee, and his wife Durga Panwar wake up early each morning to prepare food for the birds. By 6 am, they place rotis soaked in milk, namkeen, paneer, and more on a wall outside their home in Marudhar Kesari Nagar in Jodhpur. Neighbours also join in, bringing food to add to the offering. </p><p>This routine began when Praveen shifted to the colony 15 years ago. During Shraddh Paksah, he placed food outside as an offering to his ancestors, and a few crows appeared. Seeing their growing numbers and hunger, he decided to make it a daily practice. Every day, Durga makes 6-70 rotis for the crows, which are softened in milk. Around 5 am, the birds gather on rooftops and wires waiting to be fed, and they return again in the evening. Nearly three kilos of 'Ganthiya' (a deep-fried snack) are consumed daily, provided at concessional rates by shopkeepers. According to belief, feeding crows ensures that food reaches one's ancestors.</p>
