From Palashi to Palash

From Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘Ore Grihobasi’ to Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Jungle Book’, this flower is mentioned in its full splendor. The flower is synonymous to Holi hence to spring as well. Its blazing red color has earned it the name flame-of-the-forest. It is commonly known as ‘Palash’. The name ‘Palash’ also has a story, the flower’s scientific name is Butea monosperma. It has borrowed its name Palash from the place ‘Palashi’, where the famous Battle of Plassey was fought. Not only that the tree is believed to be a form of Lord Agni, the Hindu God of Fire. In West Bengal, Palash plays an integral part in the Holi celebrations. Ornaments made of Palash flowers are worn by ladies during the Basanta Utsab. Palash is the state flower of the state of Uttar Pradesh. These flowers are dried to make organic orange color. In the Sothern state of Telangana, they are used to worship Lord Shiva. Here in West Bengal, the flower is used during Saraswati Puja. The blooming Palash means the season of love has arrived and they contribute to some picturesque sceneries.