Gods’ Gardens

In Tamil Nadu, the relationship between humans and plants extends beyond utility into culture, tradition, and religion. Tree worship is among the earliest known forms of human devotion. In Sangam literature, the heroine of Natrrinai addresses the punnai tree (Alexandrian laurel) as her sister. Trees like neem, banyan, peepul, fig, and palmyra are still worshipped […]

What an Edible Insects Stall Revealed About Acceptance, ‘normal’ Food

Despite their nutritional and environmental benefits, people are increasingly moving away from insect-based foods. Urbanisation has created both physical and cultural distance from such practices. Many younger generations that have grown up or settled in cities are often unaware that insects are eaten across several parts of India