Date:20/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/20/stories/2007102061000300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Married to the green cause

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: A wedding to be held in Malleswaram on Sunday will be unique for the new custom the couple will perform. Soon after tying the nuptial thread, Sujay and Vidya will plant a sapling in a pot and complete the ceremonies related to marriage. Later, the sapling will be planted at the Spoorthivana, a 400-acre land in Tippagondanahalli.

The new custom, called Sasyanjali, is being encouraged to increase the greenery near the confluence of the Arkavathi and Kumudvathi rivers. “We want every bride and bridegroom in the city to follow this new custom,” said Eshwar Prasad, who is associated with the programme.

“All they have to do is to pay us Rs. 500. We will plant the saplings in their name and also take care of them,” he said.