subject: Witness Tribal India In Enchanting Guda Bishnoi Village [print this page] Set within that mystical region of India known as Rajasthan, a mere 25km from Jodhpur, lies the tribal village of Guda Bishnoi. Ideally situated amidst pastoral scenes, complete with meandering deer and Khejri trees, the residents of the village are surrounded by a natural eco-system that has been well-preserved through the centuries.
The perfect getaway for travellers in search of exotic lifestyles, unspoilt natural surroundings and wildlife, the village is inhabited by nature worshipers who pray to sacred natural elements and animals with devout faith. Some of these sacred creatures include the black buck and the gazelle. Untouched by the sands of time, this nature-loving community treats the animal inhabitants of the village as their kin, preferring to go hungry in order to leave sufficient fruits and vegetables for the animals. They even maintain a community stock of food for blackbucks and many a tribesman have sacrificed their lives in rescuing these animals from poachers. Chinkaras are similarly treated with great reverence while gravestones are erected in tribute of deceased animals. Holding firm beliefs in the sanctity of nature, these staunch vegetarians also pray to Lord Vishnu.
Remaining largely unaffected by the development and urbanization around them, the tribal villagers retain their age-old customs, superstitions and traditions even today. One such tradition involves the marrying of unwed female children 12 days after the death of their father, in a strange event that merges a celebration with a sorrowful occasion. Living in clean and tidy little huts, the carpenters in Guda Bishnoi refuse to cut down trees to use for human purposes and instead use only fallen trees for their work. Bird watching enthusiasts will also not be disappointed here, as Guda Bishnoi Village has a rich tapestry of winged creatures of all shapes and sizes. These include migratory birds such as peacocks, Chinkaras, blackbucks and domestic cranes while leaping antelopes and gazelles are also a common sight near Guda Bishnoi Lake. A perfect spot for family picnics and lazy Sunday afternoons outdoors, the lake is a favourite spot among locals and seasoned visitors.
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