- Ganesh Utsav, celebrated for years in memory of elephants, gives a message of wildlife conservation
- Villagers pledge to conserve elephants and ensure safe coexistence during the Gajrath programme
A unique tradition of sensitivity to nature, faith, and wildlife is evident in Chhattisgarh’s Jashpur district. For years, villagers in Shekharpur, a village in the Pathalgaon forest range, have been celebrating Ganesh Utsav by combining the memory of wild elephants with their faith in Lord Ganesha. This “Gaj Shraddha” of the villagers is sending an inspiring message of coexistence between humans and wildlife.
This tradition began with an incident in 2009. Two wild elephants died after being electrocuted in the village of Shekharpur. Considering the elephants to be symbols of Lord Ganesha, the villagers cremated them according to Hindu rituals and installed a statue of Lord Ganesha at the same spot. Since then, every year on Ganesh Chaturthi, the villagers have celebrated Ganesh Utsav with devotion and joy.
- Message of wildlife conservation with faith
This year, to raise public awareness about wildlife conservation and human-elephant coexistence, the Pathalgaon Forest Range organized a “Gajrath” program in Shekharpur village on September 22nd. A large number of villagers participated in the program.
Forest department officials and field staff informed villagers about wild elephant behavior, the importance of their natural habitat, maintaining a safe distance from elephants, and necessary precautions to reduce human-elephant conflict. The program conveyed the message of sensitivity to wildlife and safe coexistence with them. The event concluded with the immersion of Ganesh idols.
- An inspiring initiative to combine nature and culture
The Forest Department has commended the villagers of Shekharpur for their spirit and the long-standing tradition. The department stated that Shekharpur’s “Gaj Shraddha” is not only an expression of religious faith, but also an example of rural society’s sensitivity to nature and wildlife.
In a forest- and elephant-dominated region like Jashpur, this tradition sends a positive message of wildlife conservation and human-elephant coexistence. The participation of villagers and the Forest Department’s awareness efforts together convey the message that wildlife conservation, combined with the necessary caution and sensitivity, can lead to safe coexistence.