Kalinga Herbal Fair-2012 gets under way in Berhampur



Source: The Sambad

BERHAMPUR: Over 50 prominent ‘vaidyas' from different parts of Odisha have reached the Berhampur city to take part in the fourth Kalinga Herbal Fair which was inaugurated in the city on Tuesday.

A majority of the ‘vaidyas' do not have any formal education of ayurveda, but their relentless practice of the traditional Indian medicine system has made them reliable healers. The ‘vaidyas' are the highlight of the herbal fair organised by Berhampur Forest Division under the sponsorship of State Medicinal Plants Board of Odisha.  

Speakers at the inaugural function said Indian traditional system of healing was linked with nature. They pointed out that in recent times there was an increasing trend towards adherence to herbal remedies throughout the world which can be encashed through sustainable conservation, collection, and marketing of medicinal herbs and their products.

Around sixty stalls were opened at the herbal fair. At most of the stalls traditional vaidyas are providing free consultation to the visitors.

The senior most vaidya at the herbal fair is Jagannath Meher from Gudighat Patrapali village in Bolangir district.

At his advanced age he still collects medicinal plants from jungles and prepares medicines for his patients.

Source: The Hindu