Our civilisation has always been in consonance with nature. Our ancestors worshipped nature. They knew the Sun to be the main source of energy and therefore they worshipped it. They knew the importance of protecting the environment so, they nourished nature and cultivating trees was a priority.
Starry significance
The kings built huge temples and each temple had a Sthala vruksha that the people revered. Each tree planted in the confines of the temple had medicinal properties. According to Indian astronomy, the main 27 stars were assigned to these trees. People born under different stars were taught to worship trees assigned to their stars. Thus, did the ancients encourage the protection of the trees. It became a custom to plant trees. Following this festivals came into existence to celebrate the goodness of nature. Nature was considered god-given and had to be preserved.
Festivities galore
Sankaranti is celebrated as a festival of thanksgiving to the sun. January is the month of harvest. Offerings are made to the sun for bestowing the energy for life. The festival is popularly known as Sankaranti in most of the states in the country.
The festival is spread over three days and is celebrated in many ways across the country. A four-day celebration the festivities include tidying up houses, making sweet rice, worshipping animals and birds and bonding with the family. All these practices have some significance in our lives. If tidying up is to help us rejuvenate ourselves with positive thoughts and banish negative thoughts, showering gratitude on the animals and birds who are part of our ecosystem is also equally important. During this festival, farmers decorate cows and bulls with ornaments and flowers and worship them. People assemble near the ponds or the banks of a river and serve food on turmeric leaves for birds.
Sadly, today the significance of the festival is forgotten. Mankind in the name of progress has forgotten the need to preserve natural elements. Global warming continues. Several animals and birds are on the verge of extinction.
These festivals remind us of the need to maintain ecological balance. Let us take an oath to protect nature to enable a happy and healthy environment.
Avehi wants to a say a big thank you to everything around her. Find the >puzzle here.
