Sindoor Tree Planting: Rooting Culture in Tomorrow's Soil
27 May 2025 5:41 PM IST27 May 2025 5:41 PM IST
Before synthetic alternatives, the tree's peel and stem provided sindoor
Representational image
In Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, a meaningful event unfolded beyond mere tree planting. In Khelgaon, on the Khelana River's banks, the Sindoor Tree, or Saffron Tree, was planted. Dr. Santhosh Patil emphasised, "Planting is just the start; we must protect these trees to grow strong." These trees, vital to our cultural story, were once the source of sindoor, the sacred red vermilion used by married Hindu women for their husbands' longevity.
Before synthetic alternatives, the tree's peel and stem provided sindoor, and its fruit yielded natural orange dye for monks' robes and silk garments, holding deep spiritual and cultural significance. Urbanization and lifestyle changes led to the tree's quiet disappearance, replaced by synthetics.
Inspired by the military's Operation Sindoor, this planting rekindles a forgotten tradition.
Written by Katravath Rahul, University of Hyderabad, Intern.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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