The Paniya community’s sacred stones representing female and male deities.

Jayachandran, a village leader from Kundilkadavu, standing in a sacred grove.

Unlit lamps in a sacred grove.

The fruit of the wild Indian almond tree (Sterculia foetida) found in a sacred grove.

Kumaran, from the Kattunayakan community, and snake nests.

A sacred grove of koli trees (Ficus spp.) in the Nilgiris.

Marigolds, roses, and chrysanthemums are some of the flowers that are grown on Mali farms. Photos: Soham Ingle

Fenugreek, carrots, and cauliflower at my relatives’ farm. Photos: Ram Thakre

My neighbors Vishwanath Pandu Magar (85 years old) and Janabai Vishwanath Magar (75 years old) wearing Mali ethnic dress. In my village, the elderly people still wear our traditional clothes. Photo: Mangesh Magar

My beloved Swara, my cousin’s daughter, worshipping Lord Shiva in our community temple. Photo: Durga Khetre