'Shravan Aaitar' in Goa is a celebration of biodiversity

Arti Das & Evelyn Siqueira

Many festivals are a celebration of the local biodiversity. On August 20, 2023, Hindu Goan households observe the first Shravan Aaitar, or Shravan Sunday, when the sun god is worshipped using various plants, common in local backyards and green spaces.

Shravan Aaitar | Shravan Sunday | Goa | PHOTO: Arti Das

NATURE'S BOUNTY

A variety of leaves and flowers, seen all over Goa at this time of the year, are used during worship on Shravan Aaitar or Shravan Sunday. Some of these flowers and plants are...

Shravan Aaitar | Shravan Sunday | Goa | PHOTO: Arti Das

LITTLE BEAUTIES

Green patches in open spaces, such as this one, are brimming with wild plants and flowers.

Shravan Aaitar | Shravan Sunday | Goa | wild green grass | PHOTO: Arti Das

SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL

Chiddo flowers are seen growing all over Goa at this time of year.

Shravan Aaitar | Shravan Sunday | Goa | Chiddo | PHOTO: Arti Das

LOVELY LEAVES

The leaves of Dhobi's tree (Mussaenda frondosa) are also part of Patri in some parts of Goa.

Shravan Aaitar | Shravan Sunday | Goa | Dhobi's tree | Mussaenda frondosa | PHOTO: Arti Das

MINI PALM

Little tree plant (Biophytum sensitivum) is locally called maad (meaning ‘coconut tree’) since it resembles a minature coconut tree.

Shravan Aaitar | Shravan Sunday | Goa | Little tree plant | PHOTO: Arti Das

FABULOUS FERNS

Maiden hair fern is a dainty local wild fern used during Shravan Aaitar.

Shravan Aaitar | Shravan Sunday | Goa | Maiden hair fern | PHOTO: Arti Das

WILD & WONDERFUL

This wild fern, locally known as ramachi bota, is another fern which grows wild in Goa these days.

Shravan Aaitar | Shravan Sunday | Goa | ramachi bota | fern | PHOTO: Arti Das

NEXT: Goa's 'Handi Khuris' feast: Farmers pray for bountiful harvest