Malida Ceremony Organised At Israeli Embassy To Celebrate Jewish Festival Of Tu B’Shvat

The holiday is marked by events that emphasise ecological awareness, such as planting trees and eating fruits associated with Israel.

A tree was also planted on the embassy premises to celebrate the festival. ( Image Source :ABP )

New Delhi: The Israel Embassy in India held a joyful Malida ceremony to celebrate Tu B'Shevat on Monday. Special prayers and a dish of sweetened rice called poha, served with coconuts, dates, and fruits, are part of the Malida ceremony.

The new fruit-bearing cycle of the trees begins on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat. Additionally, it is known as Rosh HaShanah La'Ilanot, which means "New Year of the Trees." 

The holiday is marked by events that emphasise ecological awareness, such as planting trees and eating fruits associated with Israel.

Israeli Ambassador to India Naor Gilon explained, “It’s an ancient Jewish custom that was adapted to Indian traditions some 2,000 years ago and since then has been observed by the Jewish community in India. This is a testimony of the ancient bond that our civilizations share.”

Today, on the occasion of #TuBishvat, the team of @IsraelinIndia with the Jewish & Israeli community in Delhi performed a special #Jewish Indian🇮🇳 ceremony called Malida.

A tree was also planted on the embassy premises to celebrate the festival. pic.twitter.com/0r17MdppuR

— Israel in India (@IsraelinIndia) February 6, 2023

According to custom, the Jews of India, or Bene Israel, landed in India for the first time on Tu B'Shevat after surviving a shipwreck approximately 2,000 years ago. It is said that the Prophet Elijah appeared to them after they had been saved, promising that they would prosper in India and that their children would one day return to Israel.

Jewish community members planted a tree on the grounds of the embassy and took part in the Malida ceremony. India is home to about 5,000 Jewish people.

Tu BiShvat is a holiday dedicated to the environment. Jews observe this day as a means of reiterating their responsibility to preserve the natural world. Many Jews either participate in a tree-planting ceremony or raise funds to plant trees in Israel.