Forests in India

SIDDARTH PRADHAN

The Sacred Grooves of Meghalaya

Forests are vital to human existence; offering ecological, economic, and cultural benefits. In India, they are deeply connected to history, mythology, and livelihoods, serving as critical lifelines for both ancient and modern societies.

India’s forests (21.71% of India’s total geographical area, amounting to 80.9 million hectares), among the most biodiverse globally, is home to 4 of the world’s 34 biodiversity hotspots and host over 45,000 plant species and 91,000 animal species including 500 mammals, 2,000 birds, 30,000 insects, 2,456 fish, 440 reptiles, and 200 amphibians.

They regulate weather patterns, prevent desertification, enrich soil fertility, and sustain river systems, with the Sundarbans’ mangroves protecting against floods and soil erosion.

For forest fringe villages (26% of total population), the forests provide sustenance, employment, and cultural value. Non-timber products like honey, bamboo, and medicinal plants play crucial roles in traditional practices and modern industries, ensuring that forests remain indispensable for both nature and humanity.

In ancient India, forests were revered as Sacred Spaces, deeply woven into spiritual and daily life. They were seen as sources of material wealth, divine inspiration, and moral guidance. The Kamyaka forest in the Mahabharata served as a sanctuary for the Pandavas during exile, symbolizing introspection and resilience. Forests were central to the Vedas, associated with prosperity and cosmic harmony. Sacred groves, dedicated to local deities, were protected from exploitation, with strict taboos against harming flora, fauna, or water sources. Trees were believed to house gods and ancestral spirits, with any harm to them thought to bring divine retribution.

However, forests face threats from deforestation, urbanization, and shifting socio-religious values. Revitalizing traditional conservation methods can help mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term ecological balance.

Government initiatives in Northeast India emphasize sustainable development, community engagement, and eco-tourism, showcasing the value of integrating traditional practices into modern conservation. India's Northeast, accounting for 23.75% of the country's forest cover, is a biodiversity-rich region vital for conservation.

In Sikkim, the innovative concept of Smriti Vans, or Memorial Forests, had emerged as a community-driven initiative blending ecological preservation with cultural traditions. Established in memory of departed loved ones, these forests reflect collective responsibility and cultural reverence, serving as a model for sustainable conservation through shared community efforts.

The sacred groves of Meghalaya, with over 90 documented sites—40% in the East Khasi Hills alone—exemplify this approach. These groves serve as ecological sanctuaries, preserved through centuries of cultural reverence and traditional management.

Managed by the Niam Khasi and the Lyngdoh priestly clan, these groves are deeply intertwined with local religious narratives and rituals, fostering a strong sense of environmental stewardship. Sacred groves not only protect biodiversity but also highlight the potential of community-driven conservation as a model for sustainable ecological practices.

The management of Meghalaya's sacred groves is deeply rooted in rituals and traditions, centred around altar stones, monoliths, and ritual bowls. A key event, the annual KaKniaPhodsohlang ceremony, takes place in September or October, following consultations with the Himas (former princely states) and the Durbar (village council). This grand ritual is funded through contributions from 12 Khasi clans, emphasizing collective responsibility for the preservation of these ecological sanctuaries.

Governance is overseen by the Mawphlang Lyngdohship, whose rules ensure that all activities within and around the groves adhere to traditional ecological principles, safeguarding their cultural and environmental integrity.

In Meghalaya, only 10% of forest cover falls under the Forest Department, but the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution empowers local governance through traditional systems, enabling effective community-based conservation. This framework ensures the preservation of sacred groves like Maw Kyrngah-Unmai, the largest at over 1,200 hectares, and the Mawphlang Sacred Grove, covering 40 hectares.

Located 22 kilometers from Shillong, the Mawphlang Sacred Grove reflects 800 years of Khasi tribal heritage and ecological stewardship. At an altitude of 1,700 meters, this tropical evergreen forest is rich in biodiversity, hosting over 230 plant species, including ferns, orchids, and climbers, alongside various birds, small mammals, and amphibians. Springs originating within the grove further highlight its ecological importance.

My Khasi friend Desmond drove me to Mawphlang, where the first stop was at the entrance gate. The entry charges were reasonable: INR 30 per person, INR 50 for our vehicle, and INR 350 for a guided half-hour trek in the forest totalling to INR 460.00

A short drive of about a kilometer through rolling meadows brought us to a local football match in progress near the parking area, adding to the charm of the serene landscape. With the evening sun casting a golden glow, we joined our guide Mr. Bahhep Jyrwa, who was already waiting at the entrance alongside a young couple from Delhi.

Bahhep extended a warm welcome and began with an engaging orientation, sharing the history, mythology, and tribal belief systems associated with the forest. Before stepping inside, we were reminded to stick to the stone path and to respect the sanctity of the grove by not removing anything from within.

Unlike reserve forests with prominently displayed prohibitions, Mawphlang offers a curated experience that seamlessly blends ecological awareness with cultural reverence. The guided walk through the sacred forest was not just educational but also profoundly calming, reminiscent of the Japanese practice of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku).

Sacred groves like those in Meghalaya demonstrate the profound potential of integrating cultural narratives into conservation efforts. By weaving traditional practices with ecological science, these groves have become living examples of sustainable environmental stewardship. Policymakers and conservationists can draw inspiration from these practices to enhance public participation and develop conservation models rooted in community involvement where community-based forestry projects emphasize the role of locals as stakeholders in forest management.

The sacred groves of Meghalaya stand as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern ecological needs, offering a roadmap for conserving biodiversity while honouring cultural heritage. These timeless forests remind us of the interconnectedness of Nature, Culture, and Human Well-Being, urging a return to practices that respect and nurture the environment.

(Siddarth Pradhan is a Travel Consultant. Email: namaste.hhe@gmail.com)