Goa, Feb. 5 -- World Wetlands Day 2025 was observed recently under the theme of 'Protecting Wetlands for our Common Future.' Such events and days make us aware about our backyard biodiversity which otherwise we may not be aware of. However, if we look at our festivals and rituals they also speak about the similar values and why it is necessary to worship certain elements of nature.

Khazan lands which are integral to it are also protected by various rituals and festivals. One such ritual is of Maange Thapni which was recently held in a few villages around Ponda. On this day, few agrarian communities of Goa come together to worship crocodile by sculpting a crocodile made from the mud of khazan land and it is worshipped. Villagers believe t...