Palash Blossom in Purulia, West Bengal: A Flame of The Forest
Situated in the western flanks of West Bengal, India, Purulia is a land of diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural beauty. One of its most captivating attractions is the blooming of the Palash flowers, also known as Flame of the Forest. The annual Palash bloom in Purulia creates a vibrant spectacle that captivates visitors and locals alike. Let’s delve into the vibrant world of Palash and discover the charm that it brings to this region.
“আজি ফাগুন লে গে ছে বনে বনে ……”
The Palash bloom in Purulia is basically a vibrant spectacle of Nature’s splendour. Of course, the best time to behold the magnificent glimpse of Palash bloom is February end to mid March. However, the timing of the bloom may get delayed by a week or more depending upon the weather condition. The hotter, the more the flowers bloom. As the weather warms, the Palash trees burst into full bloom, covering the region with a vibrant carpet of red and orange hues. The sight of thousands of Palash trees in blossom is a sight to behold and attracts nature lovers, photographers, and enthusiasts from far and wide. While boasting so much of Palash bloom, it would be grossly improper to render step-motherly treatment to Kusum which dons a colourful wig during this time.
Colourful Kusum Tree | Pic- Clicked by me while sauntering in the painter’s canvas |
How to reach: Palsh Hot-Spots
To witness the Palash bloom in its full glory, one must visit Ajodhya Hills, Garpanchkot, Jargo, Baghmundi circuit to mention a few where one can immerse oneself in the beauty of nature and indulge in photography, picnics, and leisurely strolls amidst the Palash groves. However, I will strongly recommend Jhalda-Baghmundi Circuit, Jargo and Jajahatu to flirt with this splendid natural beauty. Jhalda-I and Balarampur Block of Purulia is the mainstay of Palash bloom.
About the Palash Tree
The scientific name of the Palash tree is Butea monosperma. It is an indigenous species of tree found in abundance in the Purulia district. With its striking red and orange flowers, the Palash tree symbolises the arrival of spring and the onset of festivities in the region. Its fiery blooms, resembling flames, lend an ethereal beauty to the landscape, transforming it into a painter’s canvas.
Cultural Dimension
The Palash tree holds immense cultural and religious significance in the local communities of Purulia. It is closely associated with festivals such as Holi, Basanta Utsav, and Chaitra Parva, where the vibrant Palash flowers are used to create colourful rangolis and adorn deities in temples. The blooms inspire a sense of jovial, reinvigoration, and vitality, making the celebrations even more vibrant and spirited.
Ecological Significance
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Palash tree plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region. The Palash flowers also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the area to the best of its capacity.
Economic Connotation of Palash Bloom
Many tourists and photographers troop in Purulia to see the majestic Palsh bloom every year. Thus Palash bloom itself acts as a major inflow of tourists to this otherwise under-developed district. Such a maddening rush every year has led to the mushrooming of many hotels and hostels in the Palash sighting circuit. The local economy has a clinical correlation with the forward and backward linkage of the coming of the tourists. The tourism activities have generated multiple avenues of livelihood to locals ranging from the drivers, hoteliers to the small shop-keepers who sell threads made up of Palash flowers(most common at the entrance of Marble Lake and enroute Ayodhya Dam) and other locally made artefacts.
Conservation Efforts
Recognizing the ecological and cultural significance of the Palash tree, various conservation initiatives have been undertaken in Purulia. Local communities, organisations, and government agencies are working hand in hand to protect and preserve this exquisite natural heritage, ensuring the sustainable growth of Palash trees and promoting awareness about their importance.
Lilting Bengali Melodies Intertwined With Palash Blossoms
The enchanting saga of Palash bloom will be deemed incomplete without a specific mention of so many soulful rendition of Bengali songs. The famous lilting melody of Shyamal Mitra-” ও পলাশ ও শি মলু, কে ন ো এ মন ম োর রাঙালে …” and many folk songs like- “পি ন্ডারে পলাশে র বন পালাব ো পালাব ো মন…” are worth mentioning.
While making a visit to Purulia, it is highly recommended for all Bengalis to hand over a pendrive full of at least a few of these songs aforementioned to their driver to play in order to feel the exact charm and fervour of this surreal ambience. As internet connectivity is not of good quality in the far flung villages of Purulia, so instantly playing songs from Youtube or Wynk music through bluetooth may not be a good option .
Comparing Cherry-Azalea with Palash-Kusum
Japan is known for Cherry blossoms, popularly known as Sakura, followed by Azalea bloom.
“পথে হল দে রি , ঝরে গে ল চে রি –
দি ন বথৃ া গে ল প্রি য়া !
তবওু ত োমার ক্ষমাহাসি বহি
দে খা দি ল আজে লি য়া ||”
Be that as it may, with the passage of time Cherry blossoms fade away and then comes Azalea with full vigour to reasonably compensate the tourists who have unfortunately come a little late to espy Sakura. Analogously, the same may happen to Purulia also. Here, the Kusum with its full glory sneaks in the moment Palash starts fading away. So, the tourists will not be left crestfallen, even if they come late and miss the heyday of Palash bloom. The polychromatic radiance of the Kusum tree will surely act as a reasonable compensation to the late comers. If Palash is compared with a pretty and egoist wife, then Kusum can rightly be compared with a jealous mistress.
More Places To See:
1. Ayodhya Hills and Dam
Ayodhya Hills, situated at an altitude of around 700 metres, is a scenic destination that offers a serene escape from the mundane city life. The verdant forests, gurgling streams, and cascading waterfalls create a soothing ambience. Adventure junkies can explore the various trails and soak in the beauty of the region. Matha, a popular viewpoint, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and hills.
2. Muruguma Dam
Muruguma Dam stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the raw beauty of nature. Situated amidst rolling hills and lush greenery, this man-made marvel serves as a lifeline for the surrounding region while offering visitors a tranquil retreat amidst serene surroundings. The shimmering waters of the reservoir reflect the azure skies above, creating a mesmerizing vista that beckons travellers from far and wide.
3. Marble Lake
Marble Lake | Purulia
4. Bamni Falls
Located near the quaint village of Bamni, this picturesque waterfall is a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. As you approach the falls, the soothing sound of cascading water serenades your senses, preparing you for the mesmerizing sight that awaits. During the monsoon season, the falls swell to their full grandeur, presenting a captivating spectacle of nature’s raw power.
5. Charida Village
Charida Village is famous for its unique Chhau dance form, a traditional tribal dance that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Purulia. Visitors can witness the vibrant performances and learn about the intricate mask-making
artistry that accompanies the dance form. The village also hosts the renowned Charida Mela, a fair where artisans and performers from different regions gather to display their skills and talents.
6. Saheb Badh
Saheb Bandh is a picturesque man-made lake nestled amidst lush greenery, located near Bagmundi in Purulia. Surrounded by hills, this tranquil reservoir offers a placid environment where visitors can enjoy boating, birdwatching, and picnicking. The serene ambience and stunning views make it an ideal spot for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
7. Panchet Dam
Panchet Dam, located on the Damodar River, is a massive water reservoir that serves as a popular tourist attraction in Purulia. The scenic beauty of the dam, coupled with its importance in irrigation and hydroelectric power generation, makes it an interesting spot to visit.
8. Haunted Begunkodor Station
Visitors to Begunkodor Station recount spine-chilling tales of encountering spectral entities and paranormal manifestations. Some claim to have heard phantom footsteps echoing along the empty platform, while others report seeing shadowy figures lurking in the darkness. The station’s eerie ambiance and abandoned surroundings only serve to heighten the sense of dread and foreboding that permeates the air.
Begunkodor Station stands as a haunting reminder of the mysteries that lie hidden within the shadows of the unknown. Whether one believes in the supernatural or not, the allure of this abandoned railway station continues to captivate and intrigue all who dare to venture into its ghostly embrace.
Conclusion:
The Palash bloom in Purulia, West Bengal, is a stunning testament to nature’s artistry. The fiery red and orange blossoms of the Palash tree bring an enchanting vibrancy to the landscape, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its beauty and cultural significance. Exploring Purulia during the Palash bloom is an opportunity to witness the harmonious coexistence of nature, culture, and traditions in this captivating region of West Bengal.
So, plan your visit to Purulia during the Palash bloom season and be prepared to be captivated by the resplendent hues of this magnificent tree, creating an unforgettable experience that celebrates the magic of nature and its transformative power.
Toddles !!!
How can a good playlist make the trip memorable?
There exists a common thread amongst love, music and trip. Any trip can also be viewed through the lens of various perspectives, viz. rumination of sweet memories, resurgence of youthful vim, fledgling romance and its concomitant utopia, heart-wrenching happenings to mention a few. A good playlist suited to the tune of the jaunt can push the frontier of euphoria by several notches.
The selection of playlist can be made only after factoring in many aspects which are stated as under:
- Character of the rendezvous- hill station, jungle or sea beach etc
- Category of the jaunt- leisure tour or trek etc.
- Season of travelling
- Whether visited before or visiting afresh.
- Any sweet or sad memory associated with the place, if any.
- Any specific culture associated therewith, if any.
Another notable aspect is the randomising the order of the playlist in order to keep the mundane feelings at bay and to suit the temperament of co-travellers. The playlist must include some highs and lows to keep the ambience winsome all the while. A go-to-sleep playlist will act as a sedative. Let it fade off into white noise or silence at the ending, for example, on the last day of the trip a melancholy number may make an inroad into the emotional upbeat of the travellers.
In a synoptic resume of the same, a trip is always eagerly longed for in order to get solace in solitude and a modicum of opportunity for rumination. The lilting playlist adds further grist to this penchant. A good playlist will help all connect each and every moment of the jaunt with their heart, thus leaving a lasting imprint of jovial on their mind.