Eighteenth International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities

Abstract

Living in harmony with Nature has been an integral part of Indian culture. Sacred groves are outstanding example of a traditional practice in India for contribution of forest and biodiversity conservation. These groves also conserve age old traditions in the form of worship of folk deity, folk tales, songs, music, instruments, and dance. These are found all over India, the Western Ghats, the west coast, Rajasthan and in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. The sacred groves are present in tribal dominated areas and are mostly maintained and protected by the tribal/indigenous communities of the region, strict to maintain and conserve their cultural identity. Each sacred grove has a presiding deity associated with it; the sanctity of this area has to be maintained strictly owing the sacred presence of the divine being. In these sacred groves, deity is worshiped daily as well as the local community celebrates the annual festival dedicated to local residing deities for the benefit and prosperity of the whole village. More extensive rituals extending for hours are also conducted in these groves on some particular days. The taboos, rituals, and beliefs supplemented with mystic folk tales, folk songs, dances associated with the groves have been the prime reason in preserving the sacred groves in pristine condition. This study considers the present scenario of clashes between environmental protection and development. The tradition of living in harmony with nature can conserve age old cultural traditions, environment, and biodiversity which have been overshadowed by scientific and technological developments.