Bishnoi Village
The world`s first ecological
community:
The Bishnoi are a community of nature
worshippers. 
The guru who
founded the sect directed the worship of lord Vishnu (Bishnu), hence
the name Bishnoi. On one day in the year 1730, 363 Bishnoi
individuals voluntarily gave up their own lives in order to spare
the cutting of trees growing near their village. The Bishnois, a
sect, living in western Rajasthan for centuries, been conserving the
flora and fauna to the extent of sacrificing their lives to protect
the environment. For these nature-loving people, protection of the
environment, wildlife, and plants is a part and parcel of their
sacred traditions. The basic philosophy of this religion is that all
living things have a right to survive and share all resources.
The guru who
founded the sect directed the worship of lord Vishnu (Bishnu), hence
the name Bishnoi. On one day in the year 1730, 363 Bishnoi
individuals voluntarily gave up their own lives in order to spare
the cutting of trees growing near their village. The Bishnois, a
sect, living in western Rajasthan for centuries, been conserving the
flora and fauna to the extent of sacrificing their lives to protect
the environment. For these nature-loving people, protection of the
environment, wildlife, and plants is a part and parcel of their
sacred traditions. The basic philosophy of this religion is that all
living things have a right to survive and share all resources.There is a saying that goes
"Sir santhe rooke rahe to bhi sasto jaan" this means that if a tree
is saved from felling at the cost of one's head, it should be
considered as a good deed. It is for this environmental awareness
and commitment that the Bishnois stand apart from other sects and
communities in India.
A jeep drive through the countryside-a
conducted tour of villaged inhabited by a unique comminity-Vishnois!
Meet them in their homes and talk to them. The vegetarian community
the best friend and protector of the flora and fauna conceding
spritiual allegiance to twenty and nine tenets of the 15th century
legendary Guru Jambheshwar(Jambhoji). Spot the herds of black buck
around the Vishnois settlements freely and fearlessly running about.
Gorgeously clad womenfolk and headgeared charming men are
compellingly and invitingly intersting for a dialogue.
Opium ceremony is a unique cutomary
feature besides the cottage craftsmanship of the potters and
weavers.
