New Delhi: Since the dawn of human civilisation, we have worshipped natural elements like the sun, the moon, the air, the fire and even the forests. There are some areas in many forests worldwide that we consider sacred due to the beliefs passed down through generations. In this article, we will talk about sacred groves and their importance in the conservation efforts to protect the forests.
What are sacred groves?
Sacred groves are patches of forests or natural vegetation which are usually dedicated to local folk deities or tree spirits. The area referred to as the sacred groves can range from a few trees to forests of several acres. Local communities protect these places because of their beliefs and rituals which have been present for generations. There can be other reasons to protect the sacred groves including the fact those places are used as burial grounds by the local people.
Every sacred grove has its own legend, lore, and myth due to which the local communities conserve them. In sacred groves, there exists an inextricable link between the present and the past in terms of culture, biodiversity, and ethnic heritage. There are numerous sacred groves worldwide and the degree of sanctity varies between them. There are some forests where people are forbidden to even touch the fallen fruits and dry foliage as local people believe that it would anger the local deity and bring misfortune. For example, in Northeastern India, the Garo and the Khasi tribes forbid any human interference in the sacred groves.
Are there sacred groves in India?
Yes, there are sacred groves all over India, especially in states like Maharastra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and in the Northeastern states. The groves are usually natural vegetations which look like a small forest and are important sites for worship and gatherings of the local community. In the sacred groves, logging and hunting are strictly prohibited. The sacred groves are particularly found where the indigenous communities live.
How do sacred groves help in protecting biodiversity?
Sacred groves play a huge role in preserving the biodiversity of a place. In the groves, plants and animals that are threatened in the forest can live in peace as it is forbidden for anyone, be it a local people or an outsider to tamper with the place. According to reports, sacred groves have several medicinal plants which are not found in the forest. Those species which are rare, endangered, threatened and endemic found a sage haven there. The sacredness of the place plays a key role in promoting the sustainable conservation of the region’s flora and fauna.
Moreover, sacred groves often have ponds, streams or springs, which act as sources of water for the local people. Also, the undisturbed vegetation cover in the sacred groves improves the area’s soil stability and also prevents soil erosion. Overall, sacred groves help to preserve the ecosystems, reduce the destruction of animal habitats, conserve the viable population of pollinators and predators, conserve the flora and fauna and preserve the cultural and ethical practices developed through Indigenous knowledge of generations.
Sacred groves are patches of forests or natural vegetation which are usually dedicated to local folk deities or tree spirits. The area referred to as the sacred groves can range from a few trees to forests of several acres. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
