Thursday, 04 April 2024 | PNS | UTTARKASHI
In latest news from Uttarakhand, the State nestled in the Himalayas is known for its abounding biodiversity. And this biodiversity not only promotes its flora and fauna but also influences its culture and traditions. The people here use flora not only for medicinal purposes but for religious ceremonies and rituals as well. For example, we may cite Kedarpati or Naira, an aromatic shrub used as incense.
Kedarpati or Naira
Kedarpati or Naira is an aromatic shrub found in the high-altitude areas of the Himalayas. It is widely used by the locals as incense for religious ceremonies to awaken local deities. Earlier, a few twigs were cut for use, but due to its increasing popularity as herbal incense, the entire plant is being uprooted. Subsequently, this has brought the plant into the category of endangered plant.
Given the rich biodiversity of Uttarakhand, it is replete with mythological stories related to the use of herbs found in the upper reaches of the Himalayas.
Herbal State
In recent times, Uttarakhand has also gained recognition as the herbal state. Various schemes and government-led programmes are encouraging people to grow medicinal plants to earn a livelihood. However, due to the overexploitation of these plants, it became imperative to take initiatives for their conservation. For this reason, harvesting and selling of some endangered species found in the alpine regions is prohibited.
Brahma Kamal
Brahma Kamal, the State flower of Uttarakhand, is offered in the temples of Uttarakhand such as Kedarnath, Badrinath and Tungnath during the festival ‘Nanda Ashtami’ in September-October. This is one of numerous plants used in religious ceremonies. Besides, these plants are endowed with medicinal properties.
Conservation and community
The communities of Uttarakhand are playing important role in the conservation of flora. They have developed community practices of harvesting and using flora and this is preventing their excessive exploitation by maintaining a balance between maximum utility of flora and their conservation.
