Celebrating nature and Gayatri during Diwali

Keri: Diwali is a festival that is usually associated with lights and sound. But in the hilly regions of Sattari, the celebrations take on a new meaning.

The autumn season that follows the monsoon, brings to life a wide range of wild flowers, including the yellow-hued Ranbhendi flowers. Found in Surla, amidst the forest areas of Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary in Sattari, the flowers are used for worshipping Goddess Gayatri (or Gaytari) by decorating cow dung.

"Diwali is associated with agricultural prosperity. While the cow is considered a sacred animal, the dung carries economic value as the organic manure enriches the soil fertility, thus increasing crop yield. Hence, a lot of significance is attached to cattle," said a villager, Vijay Gaonkar.

Inhabitants in these regions are greatly influenced by their natural surroundings, and, therefore, use a variety of forest produce in their everyday life.

On the day of Balipratipada, which is celebrated as 'Gorvancho Padvo', the wild shrubs are also used during worship by people living in the villages bordering Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra.