green ties

Green Ties: How the Gond tribe’s deeply-rooted respect for the forest colours their weddings

Anirban Roy

Outlook Traveller | October 10, 2023

Madawi was rejoicing on a cold January evening in Dhamditola village, Gondia district, Maharashtra, because the dates for his youngest daughter, Kavitha’s June wedding had just been finalised. In the tradition of the Gonds—one of the largest tribal communities in India—festivities begin at least five to six months before the wedding day. Understandably, there was much delight and excitement at the Madawi residence.