Yamini Pandey-Dantewada. A unique tradition has been going on for many years in Devnagari Barsur of Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh. Here the village head Baiga, Sirha and Guniya along with the villagers of the village, get the Mahua tree married for good production of Mahua flowers. This tradition is linked to the deep faith of the villagers. The main feature of this marriage is that just as different rituals and rules are followed in the marriage of humans, in the same way the marriage of Mahua trees is also done.
Marriage is done according to rituals
According to the information received, this tradition has been going on for centuries. The way oil-turmeric is applied to the bride and groom by tribal customs, in the same way they are married by applying oil-turmeric to the branches of Mahua. In this marriage, the villagers sing and dance with music. The whole village celebrates the festival by performing turmeric-oil ritual. After performing these rituals, the deities are worshiped and prayers are offered for the good yield of Mahua flowers. The important thing is that in the tribal society, from birth to death, the fruits, flowers and leaves of the Mahua tree have special significance. Without Mahua, all the traditions of the tribal society are considered incomplete.
Mahua is the source of income of the villagers
Tell that the villagers collect each and every flower and bring it to the courtyard of the house and dry it thoroughly. Then earn money by selling them. Mahua flower has been a source of income for the villagers for centuries. From Mahua tree to flowers, bark and leaves all are useful. Its flowers, bark and leaves are used as medicine for different diseases. Now the Government of Chhattisgarh is also buying Mahua flowers from the villagers and using them separately.
