Devrais are sacred groves, sanctuaries of stillness scattered across India. These ancient forests abide by a simple truth: Take nothing away. Disturb nothing inside. Leave nothing behind. And so, they remain untouched, cradling a treasure of interconnected life, thriving across generations.
But today, these sacred groves are vanishing—losing their space to the jungle of concrete, sacrificed in the name of so-called progress. Ram Mula Devrai, Pune’s last sacred grove, now stands at the edge of erasure.
We cannot let this happen.
Friends of Devrai
To raise awareness and action we are forming a collective called Friends of Devrai – a small group of nature-minded folks who can lead interesting walks inside the forest.
The members can collaborate with each other to form interesting events for the Devrai. These walks will fall under three broad categories:
🌿 Creativity Walks – See the forest through an artist’s eye. Whether through photography, painting, music, theatre, or movement, let the Devrai inspire your creative spirit.
🌳 Nature Study Walks – Wander with wonder. Tree walks, birding or insect walks to deepen our understanding of the delicate web of life.
🍃 Mindful Walks – Experience the restorative power of the sacred grove. Slow down, breathe deeply, and immerse oneself in the stillness of meditative forest walks.
These walks are a beautiful and immersive way to engage people across age-groups with the Devrai! Through these events we also hope to raise much needed funds for JeevitNadi, and Pune River Revival – non-profits working tirelessly to protect Pune’s rivers and riparian forests.
If you’d like to join this initiative, please fill in this form and we’ll be in touch.
FRIENDS OF DEVRAI FORM>>
*If you just wish to attend the walks and events at the Devrai, you can join the whatsapp group: Happenings@Devrai,Pune – It will keep you informed about the various activities happening each week.
Notes On the Initiative
- This is a citizen’s initiative. There are no sponsors or patrons involved.
- You are free to decide your level of involvement and commitment.
- Walks can be in any language and you are free to design your own format. 2 hour sessions in the morning or evening work best.
- All events and walks inside the Ram Mula Devrai have to adhere to the sacred law of the Devrai – Take nothing. Disturb nothing. Leave nothing.
- The ‘Friends of Devrai’ collective also follows a single rule – Be kind. Be helpful.
Gifts of Devrai
A visit to the Devrai is meant to give you a glimpse of your entire life-journey. It’s because in life too we come with nothing, and leave with nothing.
Ram Mula Devrai is more than a forest; it is a teacher, a reminder that true wealth lies in diversity, that all life is sacred, that we are part of a greater, breathing whole. Join us in protecting Ram Mula Devrai. In saving it, we are saving something far greater than trees—we are saving a slice of Pune that shows us how beautiful this city once was.
Here’s the location in Aundh, Pune: Ram Mula Devrai
Filmkaar 