Studies on the use of plants and plant parts in Ganesh Puja for Worshipping of the Lord Ganesha in Odisha, India
Abstract
Biodiversity is a most valuable gift of nature that gives all the basic necessity of human being. Plants are considered as a critical task in human development. Hinduism is famous for its culture in the form of different culture, Festival like Car festival, Durga Puja, Ganesha Puja, Kali Puja, Raja etc. Being an educational institution Ganesha Puja is celebrated in grand manner. Ganesha Puja also known as Ganesha Chaturthi is being celebrated with religious fervor across Odisha. Traditionally Hindu people use a large number of plant species and plant parts for worshipping different Gods and Goddess. It has been observed that a large number of plants are being used for worshipping of the Lord Ganesha in Odisha. The data about importance of plant species, use of plants and plant parts use in worship of lord Ganesha were collected through the interaction with priests and some knowledgeable old person who are involved in Ganesha Chaturthi practices. The plant species with their botanical name, local name, family, habitat, plant parts usage and form of used are recorded. A total number of 64 plant species belong to 33 families were recorded during the observation. Among these leaves like Osimum sanctum L., Musa sapientum L., Piper betel L., Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr., etc. is exclusively used in worshipping of Lord Ganesh. Flowers like Clitoria ternatea L., Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L., Nelumbu nucifera Gaertin. are used in the form of garland, bark of plants like Ficus religiosa L., Ficus benghalensis L., Saccarum officinarum L. etc. are used in the form of paste; twig of plants like Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr., Mangifera indica L. etc. are used for worshipping of God Ganesha. Prasad is one of the most important elements of worship which is prepared with different varieties of fruits like Cocos nucifera L., Pyrus communis L., Musa sapientum L. etc. and cereal grain like Oryza sativa L., Vigna radiate (L.) Wilczek, Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper etc. are some important species utilized for the preparation of Prasad.
