Prayagraj: The holy leaves of the Akshayvat tree, standing on the banks of the Ganga-Yamuna for thousands of years, will now reach 100 countries around the world as a cultural gift from India. The women of the self-help group associated with NRLM have been given the responsibility for this task.
The self-help group women are preparing gift baskets made of moonj which will be given to the VIP guests invited by the government from 100 countries. The gifts have been prepared in a way that align with the identity of Indian culture and Sanatan Dharma. Sacred Akshayvat leaves will also be placed in this basket in a special way, along with other items.
Chief development officer (CDO) Gaurav Kumar has finalised the design of the gift basket after a meeting. The items to be packed in these moonj baskets being prepared by the self-help groups include holy water of the Ganga, diyas prepared from cow dung and fragrant incense named Ganga-Yamuna-Saraswati, also prepared from cow dung.
Deputy commissioner, National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Rajiv Kumar Singh, said that the SHGs have started making and packing the baskets. Akshayvat leaves have been included in the gift in vie of their religious significance. Akshayvat leaves cannot be plucked, so the leaves which fall from the holy tree (Akshayvat) and are in good condition are picked up for being included in the gift basket. The shape and size of each leaf also has to be same so that every guest receives similar gift.
It is worth mentioning here that Akshayvat was opened for darshan for common public after the announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kumbh-2019. On his visit to the city on Dec 16, 2018, to announce formal commencement of the Kumbh preparations, the PM announced the opening of the Akshayvat tree for all from Jan 10, 2019.