To battle its worst-ever drought in decades, the Karnataka government is all set to spend Rs 17 crore for special prayers to appease the gods. These prayers will be conducted all through the state.

An order to this effect has been issued by Minister for Religious Endowments minister K S Poojary. According to the order, all the 34,000 temples in the state will have to conduct special prayers for rains. At approximately Rs 5,000 each, the total cost will come to about Rs 17 crore.

These prayers will be conducted on July 27 and August 7. In addition, churches and mosques will also conduct similar prayers.