Sacred Ecology: Understanding UKS Through Community Narratives On Culturally Important Plants

Sacred plants have long played an integral role in shaping ecological consciousness, ritual performances, and cultural identity within Indian society. Among these, Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) and Peepal (Ficus religiosa) hold a distinctive presence as sacred, medicinal, and symbolic botanical entities embedded deeply in everyday religious and cultural practices. This qualitative study examines the Use, Knowledge, and Significance (UKS) surrounding these plants through community narratives in both rural and urban settings in North India. Utilizing narrative inquiry and ethnographic approaches, the research documents oral histories, lived experiences, ritual participation, and ecological perceptions expressed by diverse community members. Findings reveal that Tulsi and Peepal function not only as religious icons but also as powerful conveyors of environmental values, emotional wellbeing, and intergenerational continuity. Despite rapid modernization and urban transformations disrupting traditional practices, the enduring relevance of these plants demonstrates their potential as culturally grounded tools for ecological communication. The study argues that sacred plant traditions embody a form of "sacred ecology," offering insights into sustainable cultural-environmental relationships and highlighting the need for preserving traditional knowledge systems.