About
- Orans are traditional sacred groves found in Rajasthan.
- Orans are sacred groves established by local communities since pre-agrarian times, each presided over by a local deity whose idol is placed within the grove. These groves hold deep socio-religious significance, with different traditions associated with various Orans. However, a shared belief across all Orans is the strict prohibition on cutting trees using an axe, as it is believed that violating this rule may invite divine retribution from the deity.
- Orans also form the natural habitat for India’s most critically endangered bird, the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act, which is also the State bird of Rajasthan.
- These are known as Kavu/Sarpa Kavu in Kerala, Devarakadu/Devkad in Karnataka, Deorai/Devrai in Maharashtra, Jahera/Thakuramma in Odisha, etc.