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Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
Women tie Rakhis around trees in unique Raksha Bandhan celebration
1 2 Rourkela: In a heartwarming display of affection and environmental consciousness, around 3,000 women from over 100 villages in the state celebrated Raksha Bandhan by tying rakhis around trees. This unique tradition, known as Brukhya Rakhyabandhan, has been observed in Jhuirmal village under the Lephripada block of Sundargarh district for the past five years. The initiative, which began during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, was spearheaded by environmentalist and social worker Digambar Upadhyay, programme director of SEWAK, an NGO. With lockdowns preventing many women from visiting their brothers, Upadhyay encouraged them to plant trees in their localities, tie rakhis to them, and vow to protect them for life. Since then, the practice has spread to seven other districts: Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Keonjhar, Boudh, Subarnapur, and Angul. On Saturday, the festival was marked with great enthusiasm as women and girls, carrying decorated puja thalis, performed rituals for the trees, tied rakhis, and recited pledges for their lifelong protection. The air was filled with the sounds of bells, conch shells, and traditional huluhuli, creating a festive atmosphere. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Accounting Help Made Simple legal directorate Learn More Undo Expressing his hopes for the initiative, Upadhyay said, "At a time when natural resources are under threat and climate change is a significant challenge, Brukhya Rakhyabandhan stands as a pure reflection of the bond between humans and nature. What began in a small village during the pandemic has now gained popularity across districts of Odisha. I hope that in the future, people from every corner of the state and country will join this movement. Let us strengthen the bond between humans and trees by planting trees and ensuring their lifelong protection." Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
19-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Social worker in Sundargarh turns ‘celebrations' into green movement
1 2 Rourkela: In a remarkable initiative transforming personal milestones into environmental action, a 50-year-old social worker from Sundargarh has successfully planted nearly 24,000 trees across the state through his innovative 'Green Memory Campaign' (Sabuj Smriti Abhiyan). Launched in 2023 on his son's 12th birthday, Digambar Upadhyay's initiative has grown from a personal gesture into a state-wide movement. "Memories are not just made in hearts — they should grow in the soil too," said Upadhyay, who believes every celebration deserves "roots, leaves and a lasting legacy". The campaign encourages people to plant trees to commemorate special occasions — birthdays, anniversaries, exam successes, and even in the memory of loved ones. Under Upadhyay's leadership, the initiative has established two 'memory gardens' spanning six acres in Sundargarh district's Gambharidih and Sagarpali areas. "Each tree becomes a living memory — a symbol of love, achievement or tribute," Upadhyay explained. The campaign has spread to eight districts including Keonjhar, Angul, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Boudh and Deogarh, with various species like banyan, fig, blackberry, neem and bakul being planted. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo A dedicated team of volunteers, including Manoranjan Mallick, Manoj Kumar Dani and others, support Upadhyay in his mission, conducting awareness programmes in villages and schools. The campaign's unique emotional connect has struck a chord with communities, as trees are not merely planted but named and nurtured. Looking ahead, Upadhyay aims to engage 1,00,000 families in planting an equal number of trees over five years. The campaign's success on social media has particularly resonated with youth, effectively promoting the message: 'Preserve while You Celebrate'. "In a world that desperately needs healing, the green memory campaign bridges the bond between humanity and nature, ensuring that joy and responsibility grow side by side," said Upadhyay, whose initiative continues to inspire environmental stewardship across the state.
