By the time the 2031 Kumbh arrives, the entire stretch will be lush, shaded, green, and serene”, Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena, UP State’s Environment & Forest Minister.
Saints Plant 108 Panchavati Groves, Launch 140-Acre Green Revival in Vrindavan
25th November, 2025: (Vrindavan Today News): On the auspicious occasion of Bihar Panchami, Vrindavan’s flood-affected Kumbh area began its journey toward renewed greenery and ecological restoration. Amid the soulful harmony of veena and tabla, 108 saints and mahants planted tall Panchavati saplings. Each 12 to 15 feet high marked the inauguration of a vast 140-acre green corridor.
This joint initiative of Krishna Bhumi, the Vrindavan chapter of the Infinity Group, the Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad (UPBTVP), and the U.P. Forest Department aims to revive Vrindavan’s ancient forest character. The project will provide fruits and flowers to the temples of Braj and restore natural habitats for birds, monkeys, and other wildlife.
The programme was formally inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena. He emphasized that invasive babul trees will be replaced with indigenous species, enabling the region to regain its native ecological balance. He added that by the time the 2031 Kumbh arrives, the entire stretch will be lush, shaded, green, and serene.
Out of the total area, 35 acres have been designated specifically for cultivating fruit and flower plants meant for temple worship. The ambience of the plantation ceremony turned spiritually elevating with a captivating classical performance by Pt. Vishwamohan Bhatt, Pt. Salil Bhatt, and Pt. Ajay Prasanna.
Several prominent saints, mahants, and community leaders of Braj participated in the Panchavati Mahotsav, including Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad Vice Chairman Shailjakant Mishra, Mahant Phooldol Bihari Das Maharaj, Uma Peethadheeshwar Ramdewanand Saraswati Maharaj, Mahant Ramswaroop Brahmachari, Mahant Sundar Das Maharaj, Mahant Ladli Das Maharaj, Mahant Parmeshwar Das Tyagi, Mahamandaleshwar Satyanand Saraswati (Adhikari Guruji), Baba Bihari Das, Nagendra Maharaj, and Balram Das Baba.
The initiative marks a major step toward restoring Vrindavan’s sacred groves—ensuring that the land of Krishna regains its ancient ecological and spiritual vibrancy.
The Infinity Krishna Bhumi Group’s Chairman & Managing Director Shri Ravindra Chamaria delivered an emotional address, urging everyone to give back to the land from which we earn so much. Here is the excerpt of his address: Today, on the auspicious occasion of Bihar Panchami, it is a profound privilege for me to stand here amidst the sacred land of Vrindavan, in the divine presence of the revered 108 saints of Braj, Hon’ble Forest Minister Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena, respected scholars, distinguished guests, and my beloved Brajvasis. By the grace of Thakurji, we have all received this rare opportunity to participate in a sacred act of service. Whatever we possess is His gift, and what belongs to Him must always return to His lotus feet. This sentiment of surrender is at the heart of Sanatana Dharma, and with this very feeling, we gather here today.
The Panchavati—comprising the five sacred trees Peepal, Banyan, Pakad, Gular, and Mango is an eternal jewel of our spiritual heritage. Lord Shri Ram Himself resided in the Panchavati during His years of exile. These trees are not only spiritually revered but are also a blessing for the environment, offering pure air, soothing shade, and countless medicinal benefits. Today, on Bihar Panchami, the significance of planting a Panchavati becomes even more profound. On this sacred day of Margashirsha Shukla Panchami, Swami Haridas Ji’s intense devotion brought forth the divine manifestation of Shri Banke Bihari in the holy grove of Nidhivan. Establishing a Panchavati on such a powerful tithi is our humble tribute to Thakurji. These are not merely trees. They are an offering to Mother Earth, a promise of clean air and greenery for future generations. At a time when the world struggles with environmental challenges, planting a Panchavati in the divine land of Vrindavan becomes both a religious duty and a social responsibility. In a land where every particle vibrates with Krishna’s presence, serving nature is indeed serving Krishna Himself. We are merely servants. The true inspiration and direction come from the saints. Without their blessings, no noble endeavor can take shape. Some people ask why a business group would engage in such religious service. My answer is simple: business may sustain livelihood, but service sustains life. At Infinity Group, we believe that what society gives us must be returned manifold. It is with this spirit that we are developing Krishna Bhoomi Arcade — India’s first devotional and cultural products mall in Vrindavan. This is not a commercial venture but an offering for the comfort of pilgrims and a step toward preserving Braj’s cultural heritage. Today’s Panchavati service is another humble contribution in the same direction. Our vision is to pass on a greener, purer, and more beautiful Vrindavan to future generations. I will not claim that this service is mine. I am but a mere instrument. The credit belongs to the saints whose blessings guide us, to the dedicated team that worked tirelessly, and to the devotees whose devotion breathed life into this initiative. As the Bhagavad Gita teaches—“Nimittamātraṁ bhava savyasācin”—be only an instrument. I strive only for that. At this stage of life, my only prayer is that whatever time remains may be devoted to such acts of service — not for fame or recognition, but simply for the grace of the Lord.
