Kendrapara: Like any other traditional marriage ceremony, this one too was held with much pomp and enthusiasm at ward no-8 of Manakarpur’s Baurisahi Basti in Kendrapara township Friday. The only difference here was that locals assembled not to give their blessings to the groom – a peepul tree – and the bride – a banyan tree – but to get blessed by the newlywed couple.
The unique ceremony, rooted in tradition, was held to create awareness of rapid deforestation and environmental decay caused by the timber mafia. Villagers believe that by marrying such trees, they will gain sanctity and be able to fend off timber marauders. Hence, the locals of Baurisahi basti conducted a marriage between a banyan and a peepal tree, not for fun but to send out a message on the need to check widespread deforestation.
Marriages between trees are accompanied by traditional rituals. The only difference here is that villagers organise such weddings at intervals for mythical and religious significance. There is a common belief that marrying a peepul with a banyan tree is the most sacred act.
Rabi Bhoi and Bhagata Bhoi, who planted the trees and nourished them, proposed before the residents to solemnise the marriage between the trees. At a meeting, it was decided to solemnise the wedding in the presence of a priest, a barber and a conch-blower.
The locals decided to hold it last Friday, on the auspicious Sitalsasthi. Rabi Bhoi and his wife Banita became the parents of the peepal tree which traditionally symbolises the masculine gender, while Bhagabat Bhoi and his wife Sukanti Bhoi played the role of the father and mother of the banyan tree, considered feminine.
The marriage was solemnised by the local priest who chanted Sanskrit shlokas. Villagers enjoyed every moment of the ceremony with zeal and fervour. The groom’s procession, feast and other rituals were conducted as per Oriya custom. About 2000 people, including guests from adjoining areas, participated in the unique ceremony.
Rabi Bhoi said, “Life without green trees is like fish without water. So, we should not only plant trees but also take care of them to avail of their flowers, fruits and shelter. Due to rampant felling of trees, we bear the brunt of environmental pollution. We worship trees and we must stop their destruction.”
“Marrying trees means they are human beings. Many villagers organised the marriage with fanfare and rituals. The belief among locals is that if someone organizes a marriage between a banyan and a peepal tree, he will get the blessings of god and all his sins will be wiped out,” said the priest. PNN
