Vriksharopan Festival
Tucked away in the outskirts of Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh, where the air turns crisp and the trees whisper, the Sacred Grove retreat centre blossomed into an experiential learning space during this year’s Tree Plantation Festival. We believe in creating meaningful experiences that connect individuals with their natural habitat. Every year, we celebrate the Tree Plantation festival, bringing together people and nature and facilitating an opportunity to nurture each other.
The plantation festival for 2025, Vriksharopan Utsav, we got to host young minds from various schools to celebrate sustainability, Ayurveda, and the joy of giving back to nature. It was an opportunity to share with the growing population how a once barren land has blossomed into a self-sustaining community with Orchards, Herbarium, Go-shala and is home to rare indigenous species of plants and trees.
A Festival Rooted in Nature and Awareness
As a part of our philosophy, the festival aimed to instil awareness and responsibility towards the environment. Students from local schools were invited to take part in a hands-on tree planting experience, learning about different tree species, their role in the ecosystem, and their connection to Ayurvedic healing. The immersive nature of activities aligns with our belief that sustainable living starts young and that true wellness stems from harmony with nature.
What did the Children Learn?
Children got to experience first-hand the name, importance and relevance of the various trees that are part of the Sacred grove Vrikshavalli. They were introduced to the ancient Indian system of Devarai. The Devarai forest culture are pockets of forests which are traditionally protected by local communities owing to their perceived spiritual significance and connection to local deities. These patches serve as biodiversity hotspots harbouring a variety of animal and plant species. The taboos surrounding Devarais are primarily for their preservation. The Devarias have been gaining recognition for their unique blend of cultural and ecological values, highlighting the deep-rooted connection between communities and their natural environment in India.
The children also learned about the companion planting system, which is common to the area. It is a system of planting different species of plants in the same pit. This helps the roots of different species intertwine, making them stronger, primarily in withstanding the strong winds in the area. The abundance of trees at the Sacred Grove now protects it against strong howling winds, which are common to the area.
The students were also introduced to the concept of Panchavati. The etymology for Panchavati, or the sacred forest, goes back to the forest where Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, resided during their 14-year exile. Panchavati is a grove of 5 sacred trees - Banyan (Ficus benghalensis), Peepal (Ficus religiosa), Belpatra (Aegle marmelos), Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), and Ashoka (Saraca asoca), all of which the Sacred grove is home to.
The herbarium at the Sacred Grove was a new experience for the children, with a variety of ayurvedic medicinal herbs.
Guided by our Ayurveda and wellness experts, the students discovered:
The medicinal value of native trees and herbs.
How trees support holistic health and the Ayurvedic lifestyle.
Basic Ayurvedic remedies for lifestyle ailments.
The session also included a short wellness workshop introducing basic Ayurveda concepts for children, connecting the dots between nature, food, and health.
A Transformative Experience
Beyond learning, the children shared joyful moments, getting their hands muddy, naming their saplings, and promising to visit them in the future. It was a moment of emotional connection, where environmental education met real-world action.
Our Commitment to Green Wellness
At the Sacred Grove, our mission is to create a sustainable wellness sanctuary where nature, Ayurveda, learning, and introspection meet. Events like this Tree Plantation Festival are part of our ongoing initiatives to -
Support eco-conscious school programs
Promote Ayurveda for children
Encourage community engagement
Facilitate reforestation in combating climate change
Join Us in Growing a Greener Future
We invite schools, families, and wellness enthusiasts to be a part of our green journey. Whether you're looking for a school retreat in nature, an Ayurveda learning experience, or just a quiet space to reconnect with the earth, the Sacred Grove welcomes you.
Reach out to us at contact@thesacredgrove.in | +91 8333981304
