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In pictures: When the ‘flame of the forest’ blooms

Spring in Bengal is heralded by palash flowers painting landscapes — urban and rural — in fiery hues

Rumela Basu Published 10.03.22, 08:27 PM
Spring, the season of romance and poetry, is rather short in the Indian climate. In Bengal, there is one thing that heralds the season like no other — the fiery blooms of ‘palash’
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Spring, the season of romance and poetry, is rather short in the Indian climate. In Bengal, there is one thing that heralds the season like no other — the fiery blooms of ‘palash’

Rumela Basu
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Scientifically known as butea monosperma, and commonly as ‘palash’ or ‘dhak’ and ‘parrot tree’ among other things, these trees that bloom in late February and March in Bengal and other parts of India are famously known as the ‘flame of the forest’ for their warm hues and unique shape
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Scientifically known as butea monosperma, and commonly as ‘palash’ or ‘dhak’ and ‘parrot tree’ among other things, these trees that bloom in late February and March in Bengal and other parts of India are famously known as the ‘flame of the forest’ for their warm hues and unique shape

Rumela Basu
It might not be wrong to say that nowhere is the ‘palash’ celebrated the way it is in Santiniketan, where the flowers have become synonymous with the celebrations of spring and ‘Dol’ (Holi). In his poem, Ore grihobashi, Tagore wrote, ‘ranga hashi rashi rashi ashoke palashe’, immortalising the flower’s vibrant hues and connotations of celebration
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It might not be wrong to say that nowhere is the ‘palash’ celebrated the way it is in Santiniketan, where the flowers have become synonymous with the celebrations of spring and ‘Dol’ (Holi). In his poem, Ore grihobashi, Tagore wrote, ‘ranga hashi rashi rashi ashoke palashe’, immortalising the flower’s vibrant hues and connotations of celebration

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It is said that Tagore once urged the women studying at Visva-Bharati University to adorn garlands made from the palash flower — a practice common among the rural folk of the region. Since then, the flower has played a big role in the festivities and tourism of Santiniketan
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It is said that Tagore once urged the women studying at Visva-Bharati University to adorn garlands made from the palash flower — a practice common among the rural folk of the region. Since then, the flower has played a big role in the festivities and tourism of Santiniketan

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Another popular destination in Bengal to experience the magic of ‘palash parban’ is Purulia, where the sun-battered yellow-green foliage is punctuated by shades of vermilion
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Another popular destination in Bengal to experience the magic of ‘palash parban’ is Purulia, where the sun-battered yellow-green foliage is punctuated by shades of vermilion

Rumela Basu
Looking at the wild landscape at Burundi, Purulia, and witnessing the bursts of red that spring forth in the midst of sal trees, the term ‘flame of the forest’ really becomes clear
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Looking at the wild landscape at Burundi, Purulia, and witnessing the bursts of red that spring forth in the midst of sal trees, the term ‘flame of the forest’ really becomes clear

Rumela Basu
Apart from it’s vivid looks, the palash is a favourite among the avian population for its nectar. Above, a black drongo
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Apart from it’s vivid looks, the palash is a favourite among the avian population for its nectar. Above, a black drongo

Rumela Basu
Palash flowers bloom across the state, from the warm plains to the towns of north Bengal. (Above) In Siliguri
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Palash flowers bloom across the state, from the warm plains to the towns of north Bengal. (Above) In Siliguri

Sipra Sarkar
Outside Bengal, the vibrant ‘palash’ is the state flower of Jharkhand and is known as the reason the Satpura forest ‘blushes’ in summer
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Outside Bengal, the vibrant ‘palash’ is the state flower of Jharkhand and is known as the reason the Satpura forest ‘blushes’ in summer

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Kolkata too, welcomes the summer with a scattering of scarlet blossoms. This one blooms on Swinhoe Street
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Kolkata too, welcomes the summer with a scattering of scarlet blossoms. This one blooms on Swinhoe Street

Anujit Mitter
One of the most special sights is spotting the somewhat rare sunshine-coloured palash bloom. The yellow flowers are not as commonly seen as their orange-red counterparts. If you’re going to the Kolkata book fair this year, stop a moment near gate number five to get a glimpse of this yellow palash tree
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One of the most special sights is spotting the somewhat rare sunshine-coloured palash bloom. The yellow flowers are not as commonly seen as their orange-red counterparts. If you’re going to the Kolkata book fair this year, stop a moment near gate number five to get a glimpse of this yellow palash tree

Ashim Paul

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