"Papal" Tied Knot to Neem Tree !
In an effort to protect forests, the villagers of a non-descript hamlet here carried out a wedding between 'Neem' and 'Papal' trees thereby symbolically spreading the message. The marriage was solemnised by priest of Balamuniyappa temple in Elakampalayam near Sirumuga village amidst chanting of hymns and Nadaswaram recital, similar to a typical south Indian marriage. The priest tied the nuptial knot on the Neem tree on behalf of the 'bridegroom' Pipal.Both the trees were adorned with flowers. Neem tree was given a bridal look by draping a yellow silk saree over it while pipal was covered with a golden-silk saree, according to villagers who attended the 'marriage function'. After the marriage, around 100 villagers assembled there blessed the 'couple' by throwing the 'sacred rice' mixed with vermilion and sandal in line with the tradition.
The function was organised as part of 21st anniversary celebrations of the temple. The marriage was part of efforts to convey the message of maintaining World Peace, protecting forest cover and keeping the environment pollution-free, they claimed.
