Hindu tree planting ceremony at queen’s green canopy project

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS UK) volunteers in Barnet participated in a colourful Queen’s Green Canopy tree planting The Hindu Way worshipping Mother Nature in an event which was attended by Rt Hon Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet.
HSS UK, a proud recipient of 15 saplings from the Queen’s Green Canopy Project initiative performed the planting at Whalebone Park in Barnet with the help of Paddy and Helena Shannon. Queen’s Green Canopy is a unique tree-planting initiative to mark Her Majesty’s platinum Jubilee in 2022 inviting communities across the United Kingdom to plant a tree and help the environment flourish.
Welcoming the guests Vishal Shah of HSS UK said, ‘On the auspicious day of Varsh Pratipada, Gudi Padwa and the first day of Chaitra Navratri, it is a privilege to participate in the Queen’s Green Canopy project and Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations marking her 70 years of service to the country and commonwealth from which we all take inspiration. Planting a tree is a wonderful way of leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy’.
A colourful Hindu ceremony on a chilly but bright spring day commenced with thanking mother earth (Bhumi maata) by adorning the soil with kanku (coloured powder) and Akshat (rice) while chanting Hindu vedic mantra ‘Om Bhuvaneshehvariye namaha’ followed by planting of the saplings by Veer Sumaria, Sujal Depala and Theresa Villiers. Uniquely, the first watering of the saplings by all attendees during the ceremony was with waters from the River Ganges and River Thames; a symbolic gesture of the special relationship between India and the UK. An auspicious nadachadi (coloured thread) tying ceremony of the sapling denoted the appreciation in Hindu philosophy for trees and Vanaspati (plants and trees). Official Queen’s Green Canopy and Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh UK commemorative plaques were installed as a permanent reminder of the celebration. The Shanti Mantra for peace was chanted in conclusion signifying a wish for peace for all beings, all elements and offering reverence to Mother Nature
Taking part enthusiastically in all the Hindu ceremonies Theresa Villiers said, ‘The participation of HSS UK in the Sewa (Volunteering service) projects during Covid-19 pandemic was exemplary and today, HSS UK’s participation in the Queen’s Green Canopy Project demonstrates the high regard the Hindu community has for the Queen’s life of service’.
Young Swayamsevak Dhaval Depala reflected, ‘I learnt so much about our Hindu ways of respecting nature and what the Queen’s Green Canopy Project is doing for our future on this planet’
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh UK is a Charity with 102 chapters in the UK with over 2000 attendees participating in weekly activities which place emphasis on Hindu values of Sanskār (nurturing good values to develop virtuous character), Sewā ( Performing selfless service ) Sangathan (bringing people together) which together instils responsible citizenship and community cohesion.