Exchange shami leaves for wellbeing and prosperity

Exchanging shami tree leaves on the festive day of Dussehra is one ritual which has been followed by people since years. On the day of this auspicious festival, friends and relatives exchange these leaves wishing the other person life long happiness and prosperity. There are a number of myths associated with the distribution of these leaves. While some associate it to the Mahabharata, others believe that the shami was Lord Rama's favourite tree.
According to one particular legend it is believed that in the Mahabharata, the Pandavas after wandering in the forest for 12 years, hung their weapons on a Shami tree before entering the court of king Virat to spend the last one year undercover. After the completion on the day of Dussehra, they brought down the weapons from the tree and declared their true identity.
Since that time the exchange of Shami leaves on Dussehra day became a symbol of goodwill and victory. Sanika Tamhankar, a resident of Virar says, "There are a lot of stories associated to this tradition. One among them being that Arjun in Mahabharata had kept his weapons on the Shami tree. Also it is believed that kings in ancient times, used to keep their weapons on this shami tree and take them off only on Dussehra day and proceed towards the war after polishing these tools well."
She adds, "These leaves which are distributed on the day of this festival are available in the market in abundance a day prior to the festival. You can get an entire bunch for just Rs5. It has been a tradition wherein children are seen going to each others home and giving these leaves to every member of the household." An important ritual which needs to be followed here is to offer these leaves to God before giving it to anyone.
"People first go to the temple and offer these leaves to the God after which when they are going back home, distribute among their friends and relatives. Along with giving the leaves, they are also seen to be wishing the other person happiness and success. Kids almost wait eagerly to go and distribute these leaves. In turn the other person is also seen giving these leaves to the children. Also many people give something sweet to eat also to the kids," says Mira Road resident Sachin Gaikar.
There might be numerous stories associated with the distribution of these leaves, but one thing is that people are always seen to be wishing the good of the other while giving them the leaves.
Vasai resident Geeta Dakhane says, "As far as I know it is believed that in ancient days, warriors who used to come back after a war used to hide their weapons in the shami tree. They used to then take off leaves from the tree and distribute it to all their family and friends wishing them prosperity and happiness."