To preserve the rich agricultural heritage of Vidarbha and introduce the younger generation to its ancient traditions, the Dr Dande Foundation organised a traditional ‘Sitadahi’ event at its experimental land in Satanwari village. Highlighting the significance of the event, Foundation President Dr Pinak Dande emphasised the deep bond between farmers (Bhumiputra) and Goddess Sita (Bhumikanya). He stressed that despite changing crop patterns and modern agricultural shifts, ancestral customs honouring nature must be preserved. ‘Sitadahi’ is an ancient ritual performed in rural Vidarbha prior to cotton harvesting. During the ceremony, a doll crafted from cotton flowers was placed in a cradle tied to cotton plants and ceremoniously worshipped alongside the five elements of nature. The ritual concluded with an offering of curd-rice (dahi-bhat) to express gratitude toward the land and crops. The programme was conducted under the guidance of local elders Rajkumar Shiv and Mahadev Kaka Sonwane, with active participation from villagers including Bebi Sonwane. Foundation members Sandeep Dande, Vishakha Bagde, and others contributed to the event’s success, which concluded with a community meal (bhojan prasad).