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| sal trees in the forest can be easily identified as they are all bearing flowers |
As the spring has entered, the entire Similipal looks whitish green. You might be thinking why not green but whitish green!!! It is because the Sal trees have got leaves as well as flower. the color of Sal flower is off white.
In this season, one can easily know the density of Sal trees in the jungle because rest of the trees are still waiting to bear leaves and Sal has already gotten flowers on its branches. This is why it is called the king of all trees in Similipal.
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| The peak of a Sal tree bearing flowers |
The blossom of Sal flowers symbolizes something very auspicious to the Santals. It brings freshness and joy in the villages. This is the time when we celebrate the festival called
Baha Bonga, meaning the festival of flowers.
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| Sal tree with tender leaves and flowers |
In this festival the village priest worships the deities with the flower and in the evening the left out flowers are offered to the village women when they wash the priest's feet with water and seek blessings.
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| Close up of Sal flowers |
People believe that
Baha Bonga brings good luck to the unmarried men and women in the village, it helps them find soulmates.
