Religious beliefs ‘help protect forest property’ in Kullu: Study

Dipender Manta

Mandi, January 28

A study conducted by the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) has revealed that religious and cultural beliefs of local communities in deities have been playing a crucial role in protecting the forest property in Kullu.

Research in Himalayan national park

• A study was conducted in 25 villages of seven gram panchayats in the eco-zone of the Great Himalayan National Park (GNPH) to assess the status of sacred trees and groves
• During the study, 21 sacred trees were found in the park, of which 17 are of tree species and four of shrub species. Due to cultural and religious beliefs, the villagers do not harm these trees
• The study revealed that the GHNP region had a distinct culture and remote villages were characterised by the presence of deities, each of which has its own temple and community ground

The study was carried out in the eco-zone of the park, which is a protected area established in 1984, formally declared a national park in 1999. It was inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in June 2014 with an area of 1,171 sq km.

Geographically, the GHNP lies at 31°38’28” N to 31°51’58” N latitude and 77°20’11” E to 77°45’52” E longitude with an altitudinal range of 1,600 m to 4,800 m. The Eco-zone of the GHNP consists of seven gram panchayats (Nahonda, Pekhri, Tung, Mashiyar, Shilli, Kandi-dhar and Shrikot) in the Tirthan valley. The study was conducted in 25 villages of these gram panchayats.

The study revealed that the GHNP region had a distinct culture. Remote villages were characterised by the presence of deities. Each deity has its own temple and community ground. There is a deity called “Pehradaar” placed on the outskirts of almost every village. Locals believe that it protects the village and its inhabitants. For ages, these deities have been named as Jal Devta, Vansheera, Kadont, Damola, Khudali Veer, Laxmi Narayan, Chaterkhand, Basuki Nag and Barkhadi Jogani, etc., and these are placed above and under a tree.

“The villagers believe that if they harm the sacred tree, the deity will punish them,” the study revealed.

Meera Sharma, Director-cum-Chief Conservator of Forests, GHNP, said a study was conducted in 25 villages of seven gram panchayats in the eco-zone of the GHNP to assess the status of sacred trees and sacred groves. During the study, 21 sacred trees were found in the GHNP, of which 17 are of tree species and four of shrub species. Due to cultural and religious beliefs, the villagers do not harm these trees.

“It is a good sign that the faith of people is playing a crucial role in protecting the forest property in the GHNP, Kullu,” she added.