Uttarakhand is home to more than 350 sacred groves, known as “Dev Van,” where forests are preserved in reverence to local deities. These groves, spread across the Kumaon and Garhwal regions, are not only symbols of deep spiritual belief but also serve as vital ecological havens, protected for generations by local communities.
The tradition of dedicating forests to gods has remained alive in many parts of India, and in Uttarakhand, it continues to thrive. In these sacred groves, villagers strictly avoid harming any plant or tree, believing that deities reside within. Even plucking a single leaf is considered disrespectful and can invoke divine wrath. This reverence has played a crucial role in protecting these forests from deforestation and exploitation.
One of the most striking examples is the forest dedicated to Kotgadi Devi in Pithoragarh. Here, villagers dedicate patches of forest to the goddess for periods ranging from 5 to 20 years. During this time, no one is allowed to enter or exploit the forest in any way. This tradition has resulted in healthy forest growth and reduced instances of illegal logging.
Other sacred groves include Bombasing and Bhujani forests in Pithoragarh, considered the abode of local gods. Villagers fear divine retribution and avoid even collecting deadwood, fodder, or grasses from these forests, except during special religious festivals like the Mandoor Utsav.
These forests are home to a variety of revered plant species such as banj (oak), raaga, deodar, bhojpatra (birch), ratpa, and juniper. Considered sacred, these species are preserved with utmost care by local communities who regularly offer prayers and rituals in the groves.
Some of the prominent sacred forests in Kumaon include Thalakeshwar, Dhoj, Chamunda Devi, Nakuleshwar, Dhurka Devi, and Hunkara Devi. In Garhwal, important Dev Vans include Hariyali, Matkeshwar, Manthat, Tarkeshwar, Shem Mukhinag, and Thatyur.
A book titled The Sacred Uttarakhand documents the significance of these groves. According to Prof. C.S. Negi of the Zoology Department at MBPG College, these sacred forests are a living example of how traditional beliefs and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.
As the world grapples with climate change and ecological degradation, Uttarakhand’s sacred forests offer a timeless model of community-led conservation driven by spiritual faith and cultural values.
