Bilva

The significance of exchanging bilva leaves (bael leaves) during Dasara (Vijayadashami), especially as observed in Telangana and parts of Andhra Pradesh.

In Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra and some surrounding regions, there is a well-known custom of exchanging “gold” (sona) on Vijayadashami.

But instead of actual gold, people exchange bilva leaves (bilvam), sometimes also Apta tree leaves (called “sona patta” or “maratham” leaves in Maharashtra).

In Telangana, the tradition has taken the form of bilva leaf exchange, seen as an auspicious substitute for gold.

Why Bilva?

1. Sacredness of Bilva in Hinduism

Bilva (bael) leaves are sacred to Lord Shiva. Offering bilva is believed to destroy sins and bring prosperity.

During Dasara, bilva leaves symbolize divine blessings, wealth, and victory.

2. Symbol of Gold (Swarnapatra)

Just as in Maharashtra people exchange apta leaves calling them “sona” (gold), in Telangana bilva leaves are seen as equivalent to gold.

Exchanging them is like wishing each other prosperity, good fortune, and richness for the year ahead.

3. Victory of Dharma

Vijayadashami is the day of Rama’s victory over Ravana and also Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.

The exchange of bilva symbolizes sharing in the fruits of victory, goodwill, and wealth.

Local Belief in Telangana

Families and neighbors greet each other with “Subhakankshalu” (good wishes) while giving bilva leaves.

The belief is that those who give and receive these leaves will have health, wealth, and harmony in the coming year.

In rural Telangana, this exchange is also linked with the idea of harvest prosperity, since Dasara marks the transition to new agricultural activities.

Ritual Process

1. After worship (Durga Puja, Ayudha Puja, or Saraswati Puja), elders collect bilva leaves.

2. In the evening of Dasara, people visit relatives, friends, and neighbors.

3. They offer bilva leaves as “sona”, wishing:

“Ayudhamulu anugraham, dhanam dhanyam sampoorna saukhyam kalugunu”

(May you have weapons for protection, wealth, grain, and complete happiness).

n essence:

Exchanging bilva leaves during Dasara in Telangana is a symbolic act of sharing gold, blessings, and prosperity, rooted in the sacredness of bilva to Shiva and the spirit of victory associated with Vijayadashami.

Ethics.

When we speak of public money (whether collected from citizens through taxes, or raised from donors through a public appeal), there are strict principles and rules that govern its collection and use. Misusing or diverting funds, even for a “good cause,” can create a breach of trust and sometimes legal violations.

Here’s a structured answer:

1. Importance of Purpose Adherence

Trust factor: Donors or taxpayers give money with the understanding it will be used for the announced purpose. Using it elsewhere (even for another noble cause) is a breach of trust.

Accountability: Every rupee must be traceable to its intended outcome.

Transparency: If purposes change, donors/citizens must be informed and, ideally, their consent taken.

2. General Rules for Collection and Disbursement of Public Money

A. Collection Rules

1. Clear Objective Stated – Any fundraising appeal must specify the purpose (education, health, relief, infrastructure, etc.).

2. Authorized Channel – Funds must be collected only through official, auditable channels (government treasury, approved bank accounts, registered trusts/NGOs).

3. Receipting – Every contribution should be receipted and accounted for.

4. Segregated Accounts – Separate accounts for different projects to prevent mixing of funds.

B. Disbursement Rules

1. Use Only for Stated Purpose – The money must be spent strictly for the project announced.

2. Approval Mechanism – Any change in purpose requires approval by the governing body or authority.

3. Donor Consent (in voluntary donations) – If diversion is necessary, donors should be informed and given an option to approve or request refund.

4. Auditing – Regular independent audits to ensure compliance.

5. Public Disclosure – Periodic reporting of how funds were used (government publishes budgets/expenditure statements; NGOs publish annual reports).

3. Legal/Policy Framework (India as example)

Government/Public Funds → Governed by Constitution of India, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), General Financial Rules (GFRs), and budgetary approval by Parliament/Assemblies.

Charitable Donations (NGOs/Trusts) → Governed by Societies Registration Act, Indian Trusts Act, FCRA (if foreign funds), and mandatory audits under Income Tax Act.

CSR or Institutional Funds → Regulated under the Companies Act 2013.

4. Key Ethical Principles

Transparency: Always disclose.

Consent: Don’t assume—ask.

Accountability: Be ready to show records.

Fiduciary Duty: Treat public money as sacred—it belongs to the people, not the collector.

 In short: Diverting funds without disclosure and consent is a breach of trust and often unlawful. Even if the alternative project is deserving, rules and ethics demand that money collected for “X” must be spent on “X,” unless formally re-approved.

Can't collect Guru dakshina during navratri and use the money for another project  specify why the collection and follow rules . Many people do this especially now during Dasara.  Totally wrong.