By Vinayak Khedekar
an is bound by nature, which has a thriving impact on his socio – economic life. The conventional customs of a religio-spiritual nature stress for the use of diverse items gifted by the bio-diversified range of that particular region.
No ritualistic practices are performed without such agro-horticultural produces. Such tradition enriches human life, by fulfilling various long-established aspects at different levels.
A significant position is bestowed to the mango tree, its leaves, bunches and fruit. Few researchers claim that the mango was brought to Goa by the Portuguese. But the references of mango are available in the mythical and other ancient texts prior to the Christian era. Only the verities of grafted mangos like Mankurad, Afonso or Fernandin are from Portugal.
However, specific mention and the use of mango leaves is absent in the Vedic period. Perhaps it might have been used for some Yadny as Samidhaa but, the leaves or mango bunch, as it is seen in the subsequent period was not there, says Pandit Durgaramshastri Upadhye. The mango leaves are a specific item for the Shantihom called Mahamrutyunjay Shanti, normally arranged in the case of illness like high fever in typhoid, he added.
For centuries together, folklore describes the use of mango leaves and other material immensely. Strict convention is laid by the folk that, not a single leaf of the grafted mango tree should be used for any of the rituals; but it requires the parts of a naturally grown tree, locally known as Amulli. A number of religious observances entail this bunch, placed in a cooper or earthen pot – tamyo, containing water and a coconut placed on it in an upright position. This Kalash is symbolised as Varun, the God of water; worshiped in full faith. The seven sister goddesses are symbolised on such a Kalash and their existence is regarded on it.
A bunch used for any religious, spiritual function has to consist of a minimum of five leaves. A bunch of mango leaves – Ambaya Taalo is prominently used for marriage ceremonies. In the annual women’s festival Dhalo, an important song goes as follows, "Ambya tuzo taalo, taalo modun ratha ghadialo. Santeri mayecho, ratha ghadielo." - Mango tree, your small branch is broken and cart is made for Santeri Goddess.
In a marriage ceremony, such a pot is called karo, which is filled with water. This water is slowly spilled through the mango leaves, on the hands of the bride-groom by the father of the bride, saying "I am giving my daughter to you, take proper care and maintain her self-respect." Besides for every such occasion a bunch is hang on the roof and worshiped as Mandap, to make the area sacred. Toran – mango leaves tied to a thread at the main door on New Year’s Day and at the time of marriage it is part of the Matow. In the Kulmi community the main ritualistic function of marriage is performed below such a Toran.
Primarily, during the auspicious Tel - Haldi ceremony, at the time of marriage, five mango leaves are used to apply a paste of oil and turmeric. In the Kulmi community such leaves are tied by a thread to a stick of the mango tree known as Bhal. All such significant aspects are narrated in the marriage songs. After applying this tel - haldi the bride and groom are taken to the Matolli for bathing, where four sticks of the Dino are placed in the four corners, encircled with a thread with mango leaves around it. A number of items known as Mharvat, prepared out of bamboo, required for the marriage ceremony, like Vollo, Daali, Arvono, etc, are integrated with the mango leaves.
The communities which have their Kula Vruksha as the mango tree use a stick of the tree and worship it in the Matow. In the Dhangar community, those who belong to the mango Kul perform the entire marriage ceremony amongst the sticks of the Kula Vruksha. A y- shaped fork of the tree, known as Murt Med is placed in the Matow and is worshipped in the name of the ancestors. Once a year, an auspicious meal is arranged at some lord’s houses and also at the temple premises known as Amya Samradna, in which different dishes of mango are prepared. Especially in the Brahman community, a special function is arranged in the house, normally for married women, in which a typical drink known as Pane prepared out of tender mango is served.
Generally, the mango tree is used for firewood. The same is mainly required for cremation. And a sizable diameter trunk of the mango tree is also used to build small canoes and the planks for big vessels. Thus, the mango tree owes a vital place in man’s life right from ancient times, fulfilling his ritualistic and materialistic needs.
