As you drive through the streets of Kolkata around this time of the year, you will see Palash and Simul flowers create a striking contrast against the clear blue Spring sky. This picturesque and poetic canvas symbolises new beginnings. To capture the essence of these seasonal blooms, that are here on a rather hurried visit, CT went around Salt Lake and Maidan, accompanied by actress Angana Roy.


Posing with a bunch of her favourite Spring blooms – Simul, Angana quips , “This is my favorite season as my birthday is in April”

A colourful display
Kolkata’s canopy looks its best between late January and early April. Dr Kuntal Narayan Chaudhuri, asst professor (Botany) at a city college, says “Native flowers like Simul, Palash, and Bakshobadam flowers dominate the city during this time.” Debjit Mukherjee, a tree lover, points out that “the Simul is the most common spring flower in the city.”



Simul phool
Simul or the silk cotton tree blooms are large and bright red in colour. They cover the canopy before the leaves return, and attract flocks of birds, making it a sight for birdwatchers


Palash phool
Palash, or the flame of the forest flower lives up to its name with its orange-red flowers. They bloom between February and March and are used to prepare organic colours for Holi.


A floral paradise:

• Rabindra Sarobar
• Victoria Memorial
• Maidan
• Agri-Horticultural Society, Alipore
• Banabitan, Central Park
• AJC Bose Indian Botanical Garden

– Inputs by Dr Kuntal Narayan Chaudhuri

Pics: Anindya Saha
Makeup and hair: Divyanshi Banik