Spring Blooms of Shimla - Himachal Pradesh

 

The Tree Rose - RHODODENDRON 

Standing in front of a beautiful Rhododendron tree at Indian Institute of Advance Studies Complex 

The beautiful Primrose Jasmine grove in the Advance Studies Complex 

The blooming blossoms of apples at Narkanda 

My first visit to Shimla was in April 1993 and I travelled from a small town of Himachal called Bilaspur. As I neared the Summer Hills (where Shimla University is housed) I was completely taken over by the beauty of tall trees on both the sides of the road laden with absolutely beautiful red flowers looking like small rose shaped jewels. I was so fascinated that I asked the driver to stop the car, I got down to see them from close. Obviously it was not easy as they were tall trees but I picked up one fallen flower and smelled it. Not much scent, but my driver said that I can taste it if I wish and I did – it was tangy and fresh. To me the trees with red flowers looked surreal and fascinating then and even now. Every year I wait for spring season to cherish these blooms. 

The Rhododendron flower - Jakhoo Hills (Photo credit Dr. Anil K Thakur)  

    

The Rhododendron flower - Jakhoo Hills  (Photo credit Dr. Anil K Thakur) 

Rhododendron; the tree rose – the state flower of Himachal (state tree of Uttrakhand and the National Flower of Nepal)  provides unique character to this beautiful hill town with its red jewels. It blooms from late March to April – the spring time. (though this year it bloomed in February only -thanks to climate Change)

Historically the species  is native to India, Bhutan, China, Mynamar, Tibet, Nepal, Srilanka, Pakistan and Thailand. Also in North America and Europe and some parts of Australia. In India it was first listed in 1776 in Jammu and Kasmir by Captain Hardwick and later in other parts of the country. There are five main species of this tree in Himachal -most common is the Red one.  

In Shimla it is mainly found in and around Tara Devi, Summer Hills, Jakhu and Annandale – the areas where the Britishers specially planted extra saplings for their pleasure. And they continue to bloom and glow. The propagation of this species is difficult, hence they are now dwindling gradually. 

Rhododendron  derived its name from the ‘Greek’ language (as most of the names are) but is called ‘Buransh’, ‘Braah’, ‘Braas’ and ‘Cheeu’ locally. It also is known as ‘Kurvak’ in Sanskrit, ‘Kurabaka’ in Ayurveda and ‘Rohitaka’ in Nepal. It is mainly found in red, pink, lavender, deep purple, white and blue. In Shimla mainly red variety is found. 

The flower doesn’t only look beautiful but has medicinal and culinary value as well. It helps in prevention and treatment of diseases like heart, inflammation, fever, constipation and many others because of its anti- oxidant, anti inflammatory and anti diabetic properties. Now it is being said that it has properties to inhibit the replication of Covid virus as well. (A research by the scientist of IIT Mandi and International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Delhi). 

But are you aware that honey made of the nectar of Rhododendron can be quite toxic and even poisonous. Surprising that this plant has such contrasting properties. The honey of Rhododendron is known as 'Mad Honey' and has slight bitter taste and a reddish color because of 'grayanotoxin'. Apparently the entire army of Pompey -the great Roman Ruler - lost battle with Persians and majority died  fighting because they ate this honey and got disoriented - in 67 BC.   We have many more such instances in history. 

Despite its contrasting properties lots of  'Syrups, Jams, Tea, Halwa, Pakoras, Chatni and Squashes' are prepared from the petals of this wonder flower. Other than petals all other parts of this tree are toxic. Earlier the goodies were prepared only at homes but now these are easily available in the markets. The flower is also used during the Baisakhi or Bishu festival as offerings and also woven in ropes as garlands in a unique style. 

The Chatni, Pakoras, Cool drink, squash and wine prepared out of Rhododendron flowers (photo source - anilkthakur.blogspot.com)

The unique way of creating garland out of Rhodo flowers (photo source - anilkthakur.blogspot.com)

Rhodo has a place in literature as well particularly in Mountaineering world. Our Ruskin Bond in his stories immortalized these flowers along with many British and American authors.  But more than anything else, I love it for its aesthetic value - as it looks beautiful and adds to the charm to the Queen of hills Shimla as the spring starts. 

              Photo credit - Wikipedia 

The most beautiful blooms can actually be enjoyed through a trail on the railway track of Kalka Shimla near Tara Devi and also around Summer Hill  and Jakhoo Hill. A walk or a cycle ride on the Forest Road is also a pleasure in March/April. The forests of Advance Studies Complex is also full of this red bloom.

YELLOW BLOOMS of SHIMLA - Primrose Jasmine, Kerria/Japanese Rose and Lady Banks Rose 

Primrose Jasmine - at my residence 

Other than Rhododendron, Shimla comes alive with Primrose  Jasmine, Kerria or Japanese rose bushes and Lady Banks Rose of yellow flowers in many parts of the city. I only wish there were more such bushes, but however many there are- they are a sight to behold.

Lady banks Rose  - Wikipedia

The jasmine Bush just bellow the Clarks Hotel 

The Japanese Rose Bush 

The Japanese rose bushes outside the Chief Minister's Residence in Shimla 

APPLE, APRICOT  and CHERRY BLOSSOMS

 Spring is the time when Apples, Cherries and Apricots also bloom. Though we hardly have any trees of these in the city (except some in private houses), but the villages come alive with white and pink flowers. Though the staying life is hardly a week but they are simply breath-taking and endearing and a signal for a good crop to come. The best sighting is at Narkanda, Kumarsan and Mashobhra.

The Apple Blossom 

The Apple orchard at Narkanda 

My friends Seema and Sharda enjoying the Blossoms 

Apricot Blossom 

Wild Apricot 

Wild Apricot in my residence 

 I love Shimla all the time but Spring is the time when after the snow and harsh winters it starts coming to life and starts to bloom and keeps blooming with all kinds of flowers throughout the summers into early winters. Though this year the blooms in Shimla were quite confused - February was as warm as April and March/April have been as cold as February - hence the blooms didn't know how to behave and bloom and  have not been as beautiful as previous years. But still the Blooms are Blooms - precious as ever.