Ganeshotsav held for years in memory of elephants sends a message of wildlife conservation
Villagers take pledge to protect elephants and promote safe coexistence during ‘Gajrath’ programme
Raipur, September 2026: A unique tradition combining nature, faith and sensitivity towards wildlife is being witnessed in Chhattisgarh’s Jashpur district. In Shekharpur village of the Pathalgaon forest range, villagers have been celebrating Ganeshotsav for several years by linking their devotion to Lord Ganesha with the memory of wild elephants. Their tradition, known as ‘Gaj Shraddha’, is conveying an inspiring message of coexistence between humans and wildlife.
The tradition dates back to an incident in 2009, when two wild elephants died after coming into contact with an electric current in Shekharpur village. Considering the elephants as a symbol of Lord Ganesha, villagers performed their last rites according to Hindu customs and installed an idol of Lord Ganesha at the same spot.
Since then, villagers have been organising Ganeshotsav at the site every year on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi with devotion and enthusiasm.
Faith Accompanied by a Message of Wildlife Conservation
This year too, with the objective of increasing public awareness about wildlife conservation and human-elephant coexistence, the Pathalgaon Forest Range organised a ‘Gajrath’ programme in Shekharpur village on September 22. A large number of villagers participated in the event.
Forest department officials and field staff briefed villagers about the behaviour of wild elephants, the importance of protecting their natural habitat, maintaining a safe distance from elephants and precautions required to reduce human-elephant conflict.
The programme conveyed a message of sensitivity towards wildlife and the importance of safe coexistence with wild animals. The event concluded with the immersion of the Ganesh idol.
An Inspiring Blend of Nature and Culture
The Forest Department appreciated the sentiments of the villagers of Shekharpur and the tradition that has continued for several years. The department said that ‘Gaj Shraddha’ is not merely an expression of religious faith but also reflects the sensitivity of the rural community towards nature and wildlife.
In a forested and elephant-affected region such as Jashpur, the tradition conveys a positive message about human-elephant coexistence alongside wildlife conservation.
The participation of villagers, combined with awareness initiatives by the Forest Department, demonstrates that safe coexistence with wildlife is possible by adopting the necessary precautions, sensitivity and responsible behaviour while also working towards conservation.
