Carmel Greens Club of the Department of Botany, organized an exhibition titled ‘The Plants of Matoli’ on 25th August 2025. Matoli is a ritualistic decoration of the roof over the idol of Lord Ganesha during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The decoration is done using wild fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants harvested from the surrounding forests. This tradition is deeply rooted in Goan culture.
The primary objective of the exhibition was to educate the visitors about the rich diversity of plants used in Matoli decorations and highlight their cultural and medicinal importance. The plants exhibited were meticulously collected both from the wild and from special Matoli markets organized during the festive season. The exhibition showcased 56 plants with details such as their common names, Botanical names, plant description, traditional uses and illustrative photographs.
A total of 122 visitors, which included students, faculty members and other college staff, visited the exhibition. Overall, the exhibition was a success in raising awareness about the importance of preserving Goa’s cultural traditions and local flora, and in fostering a deeper appreciation of the relationship between humans and the environment.