Trees in Indian Culture

The Newari community of Nepal marry their pre-adolescent girls with Bael fruit (wood apple) to prevent a woman from widowhood. In case of the untimely death of the husband (man), the woman is not considered a widow as she is married to the Bael. Of all the fruits the Bael is selected because it has a longer shelf life compared to other fruits.

The Banyan tree holds a lot of significance in Indian culture, married women worship banyan and tie thread around the tree as a part of Vat savitri celebration this is done for the well-being and long life of their husband  

Indian Mythology tells the story of  princess Savitri who marries a prince Satyavan  whose  death was predicted one year after their marriage. Satyavan dies on said day, Savitri requests a banyan tree to guard her husband's body and follow the death god ( Yama ) as he carries her husband's soul. Impressed by her dedication, death god grants her husband life.

Fig trees ( Ficus  spp.) are also the 'Keystone species', meaning they have a large impact on a habitat by providing food and shelter to a variety of animals. Banyan ( Ficus benghalensis ) is an evergreen tree producing orange-red figs that attract many insects, birds and bats.