Jungle Fire:
The Enchanting Bloom of Palash
While returning
home by train after celebrating Holi at my native place, I was fortunate to
witness one of nature’s most mesmerizing spectacles. As my train crossed deep
into the jungles of Jharkhand, the forest unfolded into a breathtaking vista of
red — the vibrant Palash flowers in full bloom. Their fiery blossoms painted
the landscape so vividly, it felt as if the jungle itself was ablaze, inviting
every passerby to stop and admire. The train slowed slightly as it navigated
the rugged terrain, giving me just enough time to reach for my camera, wide
lens ready, to capture this fleeting beauty.
The Palash
tree, also known as the Flame of the Forest or Jungle Fire, is
more than just a botanical marvel. Its brilliant orange blossoms and lush green
canopy create a vibrant tapestry, carrying deep cultural and ecological
significance. Come Phagun (spring), the entire stretch of Jharkhand and
parts of Odisha transform into a sea of red, thanks to the Palash bloom. It’s
no wonder that Palash holds the honor of being the State Flower of Jharkhand.
In many traditions, the tree is believed to embody Agni — the God of fire and
war — or represent the very essence of life itself.
For me, these
flowers stir cherished childhood memories. During Holi, my siblings and I used
to collect Palash petals, crush them, and mix them with water to create natural
colors. Sometimes, we’d use marigold and rose petals too, making our
celebrations not only fun but deeply connected to nature.
Beyond its
cultural importance, the Palash tree has significant medicinal value. Its
flowers, bark, leaves, seeds, and gum have long been used in traditional
medicine, particularly for their deworming properties. The petals, arranged in
raceme clusters, are even edible.
Interestingly,
the Palash flower’s relevance stretches far beyond Jharkhand. In Telangana,
they are specially used for worshipping Lord Shiva during Shivratri.
In Bengal, during the Dol festival (Basantotsav), young girls adorn
themselves with garlands of Palash flowers, weaving them into their hair. The
most iconic celebration can be witnessed at Shantiniketan, where the
bloom complements the vibrant festivities.
One of the best
places to experience the Palash in all its fiery glory is Purulia district
in West Bengal. During spring, the lush Sal forests are set ablaze with these
red blossoms, turning the entire region into a mesmerizing sea of color.
The Palash, or Butea
monosperma, is not just a tree — it’s a symbol of life, culture, and
resilience. Walking through a jungle adorned with its blooms feels like
stepping into a living painting, where tradition meets nature’s wild beauty.
In Pictures: The fiery Palash flowers captured deep
in the forests of Jharkhand.
Text & Photos by: Ashok Karan
ashokkaran.blogspot.com
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