VHP plans 'Panchavati' in every village, to plant 'Tulsi'

Lucknow, Feb 9: On the lines of the mythological "Panchvati" garden mentioned in Ramayana, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has decided to plant five trees in every village in the country.

And they will gift "Tulsi" saplings, considered sacred among Hindus, to every household of the community.

"With the concept of an ideal home, VHP will carry out a programme between June and July during which it will donate a Tulsi plant to every Hindu house besides developing 'Panchvati' in every village," VHP spokesman Sharad Sharma said today.

Sharma said the programme would be carried out across the country ahead of monsoon so that the trees get ample water to grow.

"The seers are of the opinion that Hindu society must give prominence to its religious belief and tradition. Therefore, five plants should be planted in every village and every house must have a Tulsi plant," he said.

Besides Tulsi, the five other plants that the VHP intends to plant include Banyan, Peepal, Gular (fig), Pakad and Ashok. "This will not only benefit environment, but is also in consonance with our religious beliefs. Besides, it is a good way for the organisation to reach out to every village" he said, adding that all these plants have been mentioned in the mythological epic Ramayana.

Sharma also stated that before this programme, a 'Ram Mahotsava' would be organised across the country by the VHP.

PTI