Abstract
In India, the Hindu festival of Vinayaka Chaviti is celebrated in the month of September as a traditional way to fight the seasonal onset of diseases and infections. The Lord Ganesha is worshipped as a God of wisdom, knowledge, education, wealth and health and characterized by a sound knowledge of the language, concentration, physical stamina, humbleness and dedication. The God is worshipped using Ekavimsati patrani (21 leaves) by chanting specific mantras. The leaves are abundant in our backyards, gardens, fields and temples during the season, suggesting the available floral biodiversity. They are bestowed with distinctive medicinal, environmental and cultural values. The leaves used during the puja exhibit antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal and larvicidal properties. The festival is celebrated in many Indian states by adults and children and subsequently, the idols along with leaves are immersed in water bodies; a ritual is known as Ganesh nimajjanam. The leaf extracts cause killing of microbes and breeding mosquito larvae in water, thereby preventing the waterborne and vectorborne human diseases prevalent during the monsoon season. The use of natural and renewable resources such as clay, natural dyes and leaves during the festival indicates the importance of Mother Nature and recycling. The details of each plant or tree in terms of its scientific, Sanskrit and common names; religious significance; description, composition and medicinal properties of leaves; and mantra associated with each leaf are emphasized in this review. The leaves are widely utilized in native systems of medicine (Ayurveda, Siddha, homeo and Unani) and extremely popular under folklore medicine among the different Indian ethnic groups to treat an array of diseases and disorders. However, Ganesh idols are prepared using plaster of Paris and harmful synthetic dyes, which is a significant concern for the environment and humans.
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The author would like to thank Dr M. V. Balarama Krishna, Head, Environmental Science and Nanomaterials Section and Dr Sanjiv Kumar, Head, NCCCM, for their constant support and encouragement throughout the work.
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Kora, A.J. Ekavimsati patrani (21 leaves) used during Vinayaka Chaviti festival in India: medicinal, environmental and cultural importance. ADV TRADIT MED (ADTM) 23, 393–405 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13596-021-00597-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13596-021-00597-0