How faith meets conservation in India?

Have you ever wondered how traditional beliefs and practices in India help keep the environment in good shape? Or how about local communities in India blending conservation into their daily lives?

From the serene mountains of Darjeeling to the dense mangroves of the Sundarbans and the bustling streets of Mumbai, India is adorned with diverse deities that have been revered for centuries. These sacred entities are woven into the fabric of our rich Indian traditions, beliefs, and practices, resonating deeply with the essence of nature.

Several stories intertwine faith, culture, and wildlife conservation. Bojumata and Bonbibi are revered as jungle goddesses in the Eastern Himalayas and the Sunderbans, respectively, while Wagobha Bhagwan is worshipped by the Warli tribe in Maharashtra as a tiger/leopard deity. Across India, many tribal communities integrate conservation into their daily lives, exemplifying the deep bond between tradition and environmental stewardship.

In this podcast episode, journalist and consulting editor at Ground Report Diwash Gahatraj, explores the world of conservation with Dr Oishimaya Sen Nag, a storyteller documenting indigenous communities' deep ties to wildlife preservation. Dr. Nag shares her first hand experiences, highlighting the profound connection between cultural heritage and conservation through tales of sacred traditions.

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