Aesthetic values of selected floral elements of Khatana and Waghai forests of Dangs, western Ghats

Abstract

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Plants are an integral part of Indian life and culture and are worshipped among various tribes in India. Plant worship has also played an important role in the religious history since time immemorial by the Aryan race in India. The ancient Indian culture flourished in the midst of forests. Since plants of forests are the oldest associates of man, they are offered in worship of several deities. Such plants are used for religious performances among all races of mankind. The present article deals with some important and common plants, such as dicots like Aegle marmelos Correa ex Roxb., Ficus benghalensis Linn., Mangifera indica Linn., Ocimum sanctum Linn., Sesamum indicum Linn., Cocos nucifera Linn. and monocots like Musa paradisiaca Linn., Cynodon dactylon Pers. and Oryza sativa Linn.. These plants are found in wild as well as grown in a close vicinity of tribal folk of Khatana and Waghai forests of Dangs forest, which falls on the extreme northern part of western Ghats of India, one of the biodiversity Hotspots of the world. These plants have some special significance with respect to their description in various old scriptures, folk religions, mythologies, folk songs, etc. These plants are also used in offerings, rites, rituals, traditions, customs and decorations. Some sacred plants with aesthetic values have got particular attention as they are worshipped as symbols of Gods and Goddesses in both the forest areas.</smarttagtype></smarttagtype>