Trees are part and parcel of tribal life by making their presence felt in all their traditions, whether it is social, cultural or family rituals.
Tribal gentry worships at least 16 species of trees, 28 kinds of climbers, 48 types of bushes, 9 species of bamboos and the fern, which is considered as pioneer of flora on the earth and have the capacity to survive draught.
Notably, spread in 40 thousand square kilometre of geographical area and inhabited mostly by tribals representing hundreds of tribal sub castes Bastar life is completely aligned with trees – from birth to death, Bastar tribal family is dependent on trees as they consider them not only a giver of livelihood by way of forest produce but also consider the God as they protect them from any eventuality which befalls on the poor but honest tribals.
And to express they gratitude, tribal people are not only always ready to protect the trees but also worship them in general and at the times of cultural, social, family functions in particular. 16 types of trees including ‘Neem’ (Azadirachta Indica), Mahua (Madhuca longifolia), ‘Bargad’ (Banyan), ‘Aam’ (mango), Peepal tree, Nimbu lemon), Amrud (Guava), Kullu (Cedrus deodara), Munga, Kela, Taad, Sulfi, Gularbel and others are
considered as holy and can easily be seen in Dev Gudi (where tribal people plant trees for worship). Besides, nearly 100 other species of trees, 28 types of climbers (vines), 47 types of shrubs, 9 species of bamboos and different species of ferns are also worshipped. There are several examples of people swearing in the name of God while touching holy scriptures but a tribal will never ever be seen swearing while keeping his/her hand on a tree. They also keep name their ‘gotras’ on the name of a tree or a wild animal showing how they are attached to forest and the wild life.
According to tribal priests, tribal people’s love for nature and environment just not end with greenery but they see even their Gods living in trees and that’s why they nurse and protect trees one generation after another. They believe that Budhadev and lingopen, their supreme deity live in trees of ‘Saja’, ‘Amaltas’, and ‘Kananj’. According to their belief Firti Mata lives in Bargad tree, Shitala Mata in Peepal, Mavli Mata in ‘Gular tree’in mango and Mahua trees lives Saal Mata, in Saja tree lives Bhairamdev, Maa Durga lives in Saal, Saja, Mahua and Mango trees while Mata danteshwari lives in Mahua and Bargad.They consider Neem tree the holiest among all while even today perform rituals of marriage between Neem and Bargad trees for enjoying a happy married life.
Tribal people believe that in the 5 acre periphery of of Dev Gudis live the Gods and therefore never forget to worship Gods with full rituals during ‘Beej Pandum’ and other festivals.