This chapter takes us on an exciting journey with Reena and Amit to their village near a forest during the harvest festival.
It’s a special day because their village is becoming a solar-powered village!
As they experience the festival, the children learn about the importance of nature and how people live closely with it.
A Journey Through a Forest
Reena and Amit were excited about their family trip.
They were going to their village near a forest during the harvest festival.
It was a special day because their village was becoming fully solar-powered.
Reena and Amit were excited to see the village lit up for the celebrations.
Try yourself:What special event is happening in Reena and Amit’s village?
A.Solar power installation
B.Forest cleanup
C.Festival of Colours
D.Family reunion
View SolutionWelcome to the Village!
As Reena and Amit entered the village, they saw Palash trees with bright orange-red flowers.
Reena asked about the flowers.
Their father explained that these are Palash trees. They are called the ‘flame of the forest’ because the flowers make the whole forest look reddish-orange.
Amit noticed that the houses in the village looked very different from the houses in the city.
Mother explained that the houses are made with clay, hay, cow dung, and other natural materials.
The wall decorations were painted by grandmother using a dye made from rice flour and water.
Did you know? Gond art is a type of painting done on walls using natural colors. Artists create pictures of nature, like trees, animals, birds, and people.
Farming Tools and Storing Grains
In the house, earthen pots and bamboo baskets were used to store grains.
The earthen pots were lined with neem leaves to keep the grains fresh.
The bamboo baskets were coated with cow dung on the outside to protect the grains from insects and pests.
Did you know? The Jenu Kurubas are a tribe from Karnataka. Their name comes from the word ‘Jenu,’ which means honey. When they collect honey from beehives, they sing songs to apologize to the bees. This shows how much they respect nature.
Mosquito Repellent and First-Aid
Grandfather took out a mixture made with neem oil and explained that rubbing it on the hands and feet would keep mosquitoes away.
Reena asked if it was a first-aid box. She also prepared a first-aid box at home, keeping medicines and mosquito repellent from the market.
Sparkling Light, Happy Life
In the evening, the entire village was illuminated with colourful lights.
The village was beautifully decorated for a celebration.
Everyone gathered in a field, dressed in traditional clothes and jewels.
They offered prayers to God and nature, while the sounds of the dhol and nagada filled the air.
Amit and Reena joined the festivities and enjoyed the traditional dance.
On this day, the village was also set to become completely solar-powered.
The community honours nature through festivals like Vat Purnima (worshipping banyan trees) and sacred groves, which are protected areas for worship and celebration.
Did you know? Sacred Groves are small areas of forest, protected by local communities. The trees and wildlife there are preserved. These spaces are important for the community to gather, worship, and celebrate the beauty of nature.
How to Care for Plants and Animals:
Reduce paper waste to protect trees.
Say no to plastic to keep the environment clean.
Spread awareness about saving plants and animals.
Difficult Words
Solar Power: Electricity made from sunlight to power things like fans and lights.
Palash: A tree with bright orange-red flowers. When it blooms, the forest looks like it’s on fire, so it’s called the ‘flame of the forest’.
Clay: A type of soft soil used to make pots and buildings.
Dye: A colour made from flowers, leaves, and coloured stones, used for painting.
Earthen Pots: Pots made from clay used to store food or grains.
Neem: A tree with leaves that keep insects away.
Sacred Groves: Small forests that local people protect. These areas are important for worship and celebration of nature.
Traditional: Things that are done in the same way for a long time, like certain dances or clothing.
