Taur leaf plates for Navratri Festival: Shimla’s Taradevi temple embraces eco-friendly tradition

From Sunday, July 14, langar will be served to the devotees in green ‘taur’ plates at the historic Taradevi Temple located in Shimla. Giving this information, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap said that in order to preserve our culture and heritage and for a balanced environment, langar will be served in plates prepared from Taur leaves at the temples. He said that the Saksham Cluster Level Federation working in Sunni Khand under the National Rural Livelihood Mission under the District Rural Development Authority has been given the responsibility of making these plates. They have been given an order to make five thousand plates in the first phase.

The Deputy Commissioner said that the district administration is making full efforts to promote employment opportunities to self-help groups in order to strengthen the rural economy. More than 2900 women work in making leaf plates in the said federation, but due to the low demand for leaf plates, they did not produce much. In this direction, the administration has now decided that langar will be served in green leaf plates in all the temples of the district. In such a situation, in the first phase, it is being started from Taradevi Temple.

Representatives of Saksham Cluster Level Federation gave information to the Deputy Commissioner about the production of leaf plates and also presented leaf plates made by themselves. The Federation said that there are very few Taur trees in the said area. On this subject, the Deputy Commissioner said that with the cooperation of the Forest Department, Taur plants will also be planted in the upcoming plantation campaign so that there is no shortage of Taur leaves in the future.

In the culture of Himachal, the importance of green leaf plate used for serving delicious food during Dham in lower Himachal is paramount. This tradition is still continuing in many areas of Devbhoomi Himachal, which has religious and cultural history. This leaf plate made of Taur promotes social harmony as well as environmental protection. This leaf plate of the mountain is made from a vine called Taur. This vine is found only in the medium altitude districts of Shimla, Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur.

Green leaf plates will prove to be very helpful in saving the environment. Not only this, but it will also provide employment opportunities to the poor. The purpose of promoting Saksham Cluster Level Federation is to inspire other self-help groups towards this. The government has banned the use of plastic plates, glasses, and spoons in the state.

In this meeting, Additional Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Verma, PO DRDA Kirti Chandel, Pallavi Patial Manager NRLM, Saksham Cluster Level Federation President Reema Verma, Deepa, Tara, Pushpalatha, and Krishna were specially present.

This pioneering effort, spearheaded by Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, who also serves as the chief trustee of the Taradevi Temple shrine, reflects a commendable blend of tradition and sustainability. In collaboration with the Saksham Cluster Level Federation, the initiative will see the preparation of five thousand biodegradable plates, ensuring that the festival remains true to its spiritual roots while embracing modern environmental values.

The decision to use Taur leaf plates is more than an eco-friendly gesture; it is a revival of a long-standing tradition that has waned in the face of modernity. The artisans of Himachal Pradesh, who have long relied on crafting these plates as a source of livelihood, have seen their trade diminish with the rise of plastic and other non-biodegradable materials. This initiative not only breathes new life into their craft but also acknowledges the importance of their role in preserving cultural heritage.

The use of biodegradable plates made from Taur leaves represents a significant stride towards reducing the environmental footprint of large gatherings. Unlike plastic and Styrofoam, which take centuries to decompose, these leaf plates will naturally break down, leaving no harmful residue. This is crucial for the preservation of the nearby oak forests, which often bear the brunt of waste generated by large influxes of devotees during festivals.

The success of this initiative lies in the robust cooperation between the district administration and local activists. The Saksham Cluster, a federation of local artisans and community workers, has played a pivotal role in bringing this project to fruition. Their efforts not only provide an economic boost to local craftsmen but also foster a sense of community and shared responsibility towards the environment.

The Taradevi Temple holds immense religious significance, drawing thousands of devotees, particularly during the Navratri festival. The introduction of eco-friendly practices at such a revered site highlights the harmonious coexistence of tradition and innovation. It sends a powerful message that environmental stewardship is an integral part of spiritual practice.

As the Gupt or Savan Navratra festival approaches, the Taradevi Temple stands as a beacon of sustainable practices intertwined with cultural reverence. The introduction of Taur leaf plates for the langar is a testament to the power of tradition in fostering environmental responsibility. This initiative not only promises to enhance the spiritual experience for devotees but also sets a precedent for future events, proving that respect for the environment and cultural heritage can go hand in hand.