In December, an intriguing revelation unfolded in a village within Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district, as a team of scientists, namely Dr. Mahesh Thakkar, Dr. Vivek V Kapoor, and Dr. Shilpa, conducted a workshop in the Narmada Valley area. During this scientific endeavor, it came to light that the residents of the village had been inadvertently venerating dinosaur eggs as their family deities for an extended period.
Situated in the Narmada Valley area, which has historical ties to the dinosaur era spanning millions of years, the village's unsuspecting worship of dinosaur eggs prompted local authorities to initiate an investigation. The workshop focused on scrutinizing the scientific and developmental aspects of the Dinosaur Fossils Park.
In the course of the workshop, a local individual named Vesta Patel brought attention to the 'Kakad Bherav' tradition, wherein round stones, some of which contained dinosaur eggs, were revered. These stones, known as 'Kakad,' were worshipped along the perimeters of fields, and intriguingly, two such stones are situated within the confines of the Dinosaur Fossils Park.
Emphasizing the significance of preserving these fossils and their associated traditions, local dinosaur expert Vishal Verma expressed the potential for showcasing them to a global audience, thereby enhancing the park's appeal.
Elaborating on the cultural importance, Verma stated, "The round stones, believed to be family deities, are not only eggs but also play a significant role in local worship customs. These stones, often placed under fig trees, have been worshipped for generations. As efforts are underway to transform the area into a zoological park, preserving these traditions becomes integral to the park's cultural richness."
The dinosaur eggs, boasting an approximate diameter of 18 centimeters, are remarkably well-preserved. Plans are underway to properly exhibit some of them for public viewing, while measures are being implemented to safeguard the others.
Sharing insights into the local customs, Vesta Mandloi, a resident, revealed that the villagers had traditionally offered coconuts to these 'stones.' The revelation that these seemingly ordinary stones were, in fact, dinosaur eggs came as a surprising revelation to the local community.
