Rooplekha Das
Puthupet Sacred Grove preserves native flora alongside traditional worship of local deities. Protected through community beliefs and rituals, the grove reflects Tamil Nadu’s long-standing relationship between spiritual practices and forest conservation.
Iringole Kavu is a traditional sacred grove surrounded by dense vegetation and rich biodiversity. Revered as a forest abode of local deities, such kavus preserve native ecosystems while keeping Kerala’s ancient spiritual traditions alive.
Found across Kodagu, Devara Kadu means “forest of the gods.” These community-protected groves are dedicated to forest deities and conserve native vegetation, streams, and wildlife while continuing centuries-old rituals and cultural practices.
Amboli’s Devrais are sacred forest patches protected through local religious traditions. Rich in medicinal plants and native species, these groves demonstrate how worship of local deities has helped conserve biodiversity across Maharashtra’s Western Ghats.
Orans are community-protected sacred landscapes associated with Rajasthan’s Bishnoi conservation traditions. The Khejarli area is especially significant for its protection of khejri trees, native wildlife, grazing grounds, and vital water sources.
Dev Vans are sacred forests protected in honour of local Himalayan deities. These traditional conservation spaces safeguard native flora and fragile mountain ecosystems, while continuing to serve as important sites for community worship and cultural practices.
Law Kyntang are sacred forests preserved by Khasi communities as spiritually significant spaces. Governed by customary traditions, these groves protect native biodiversity and ancient animistic beliefs, with restrictions often limiting activities such as tree cutting.
Jahera groves are regarded as sacred abodes of village deities across Odisha. Protected by local communities, these forest patches conserve native vegetation and biodiversity while preserving rituals and beliefs that have been passed down through generations.