Across tribal Central India—Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra—communities worship Bagh Dev, the Tiger God, as protector of forest and family. Legend holds that early forest-dwellers, fearing wild beasts, came to revere the tiger’s strength, forging a sacred pact: respect for its domain in exchange for protection of home and cattle. Gond, Bhil, and Korku tribes honor this bond by carving tiger idols at village borders and household shrines.

Revered by tribal communities as the Kalpavriksha, or wish-fulfilling tree, Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) sustains rural life in every form. Its sweet flowers flavor kheer, halwa, and puri, while dried blossoms serve as a traditional energy source. Fermented flowers yield the region’s classic Mahua wine, and Ayurveda prizes its bark, leaves, and seed oil for easing arthritis, joint pain, skin ailments, and digestive troubles.