Social forestry department planted immortal tree saplings and celebrated Vat Savitri festival
MPs and dignitaries join tree plantation
The Department of Social Forestry, Vadodara celebrated Vat Savitri Vrat in a unique way on Thursday. The department had given the idea of planting the immortal Banyan tree saplings in religious and other institutions, as well as in places where there is no obstruction and can preserve. MP Ranjan Bhatt, religious leaders and dignitaries planted saplings of this holy tree in the premises of Motnath Mahadev and elsewhere.
Banyan is the symbol of Vadodara and the city got it's name from this tree. The trees planted by Maharaja Sayajirao on both sides of road and at the foot of the village also include the Banyan.
Informing that Banyan is an immortal tree, Kartik Maharaja, Deputy Forest Conservator, Social Forestry, Vadodara, said, the tree has a very long life and even if its root trunk is destroyed, new trees grow and spread from its ancestors, so it has been associated with this festival for the longevity of the spouse. The fruit is favorite food of birds and this tree is a source of oxygen. In Indian culture, trees have been associated with sacred festivals, along with gods and goddess places, in order to preserve by the society.
He urged the people to plant trees like Banyan, Sacred Fig (Pipal) , Java Plum (Jamun) wherever space is available, to raise food feasts for the animals and birds and to contribute to the preservation of the environment.
