Haystacks of Rishikesh

 Haystack is often built around a central pole, or a tree. Grasshoppers are loosely arranged around the central structure to prevent moisture accumulation and promote drying. The pole or tree provides stability.

In the holy city of Rishikesh, in the foothills of the Himalayas in North India, villagers make grasslands not around trees but above them. With an average annual rainfall of over 2,100 mm, Rishikesh is one of the highest places in northern India. This means that the land is always humid during the monsoon months. Grass can remain dry by making grass piles on top of trees.