East Bardhaman's Sahaj Akhra: Protecting 108 Endangered Rice Varieties, Preserving Bengali Heritage

• Sahaj Akhra in Gopalpur-Ullashpur, East Bardhaman, established Feb 5, 2023, aims to reconnect people with nature and preserve rural Bengali culture.
• It hosts various rural cultural practices, women's gatherings, and the 'Prakritijapan Utsav' (Nature Living Festival).
• The akhra is a hub for indigenous seed conservation, actively protecting 108 varieties of native rice seeds with local farmers.
• During the three-day 'Mayaprakriti' festival, a tree is worshipped, Baul and Fakiri songs are performed, and free food (annachhatra) is distributed.
• Founder Radhamadhab Mondal emphasizes the collective effort to preserve disappearing village traditions and promote human coexistence with nature.