GREEN TIES

HOW THE GOND TRIBE'S DEEPLY-ROOTED RESPECT FOR THE FOREST COLOURS THEIR WEDDINGS

- ANIRBAN ROY

"CONGRATULATIONS!" SAID Dulal Madawi, "Let us have sweets to celebrate." Madawi was rejoicing on a cold January evening in Dhamditola village, Gondia district, Maharashtra, because the dates for his youngest daughter, Kavitha's June wedding had just been finalised. In the tradition of the Gonds—one of the largest tribal communities in India—festivities begin at least five to six months before the wedding day. Understandably, there was much delight and excitement at the Madawi residence. Like any big fat Indian wedding, the preparations start with discussions and debates over the menu. However, what sets Gond weddings apart is their strong link with forests and their inclination towards sustainable practices.

The first thing to take care of is the collection of fuelwood and its storage, which will eventually be used to cook for the wedding invitees—essentially the entire village. Usually, one of the eldest family members, either the bride's eldest paternal uncle or father, if he is the oldest of his siblings, will visit the forest with several youths to collect dead and dried logs. No one dares cut a living tree.

Weddings are the only times when draught animals are allowed in the forests to transport the fuelwood. Locally called