Nature has countless ways to express itself, and it is every expression is wondrous. The cycle of a seed transforming into a sapling and then growing into a massive canopy, eventually producing flowers, seeds and fruits is nothing short of a miracle.

Yet, we take it for granted, passing it by as if it warrants no attention of ours. Nature works this cycle in such abundance that it has ceased to draw our awe.

However, if we slow down, take a pause and ponder over such regular acts of creation such as a seed transforming into a giant canopy and producing more seeds, we might learn to appreciate more of the incessant, multifarious, magnanimous creation around us that make our existence possible!

Trees grow old with us, and we love the green leaves and shade it gives us. We often share an emotional bond with trees in our backyard.  They carry a lot of our childhood memories. From climbing the uppermost branches, swinging on them to enjoying every bite of the fruits under its shade. One such tree is the Great Banyan which has been sharing a strong bond with us for centuries.

The Great Kolkata

The Great Banyan tree is located in Acharya Jagdish Chandra Bose Botanic Garden in Howrah, near Kolkata.  Kolkata, the second largest city in India after Mumbai. The city is famous for its rich culture and of course fish and rasgulla.

This place gave us the greatest leaders the world has ever seen. From Subhash Chandra Bose to Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad Kolkata has a special place in Indian history. It is the birthplace of Noble Laureates CV Raman, Amartya Sen, and Mother Terresa.

However, when we hear the word Kolkata the first name that pops in our brain is of the great Rabindranath Tagore, a man born with every talent on this planet who can be called an all-rounder. But apart from these great personalities, there is something more great about Kolkata and it’s the Great Banyan Tree.

The Greatness of the Great Banyan Tree

THE GREAT BANYAN TREE IS over 250 years old and covers about 14,500 square meters of land (3.5 acres) in the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Botanical Garden near Kolkata (Calcutta), making it the widest tree in the world. Banyan is the tree native to India and is botanically it is known as Ficus benghalensis.

From a distance, the tree has the appearance of a forest, but what appear to be individual trees are actually aerial roots- around 3,600 of them. After two cyclones in the 19th century that led to a fungal attack, the tree’s main 15.7-meter-wide (51-foot) trunk had to be removed. Fortunately, the “clonal colony” of the tree itself remains healthy.

A 330-meter-long road was constructed around the tree so that visitors could drive around the circumference, but the Great Banyan continues to spread beyond, growing wider with each passing year. Currently, it is already over 450-meters.

There are other large banyan trees across India, including the Old Banyan in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, the Gigantic Banyan Tree in Ranthambore National Park, and the Big Banyan in Bangalore.

Strong as Rock

If the roots are strong anything can behold. A strong foundation is necessary for everything around the world. Which is why during the massive cyclones of  1884 and 1887 in West Bengal, this banyan tree stood strong as a rock. However, the cyclone was strong enough to infect the main trunk of the tree. The amputation of the trunk was necessary or else the infection would have spread to other parts of the tree. Therefore, in 1925 the main trunk of the tree was cut down.

The great banyan tree is home to a large species of birds and animals. The tree has created it’s on ecosystem over the years. The tree is home for around 89 species of birds along with a large number of squirrels and monkeys.

Moreover, the Government of India released a postage stamp featuring the Great Banyan Tree. The stamps also feature the emblem of the Botanical Survey of India. The greatness of the tree teaches us that with patience and dedication nothing is impossible. It may take years to achieve greatness but when we do we should make sure our roots are strong as the great banyan. Let us hope the greatness of the tree continues for the young generations to come to feel moist under its branches.

Imagine sitting under the natural canopies that have witnessed all the modern history of India, from the Mughal conquest to the British colonisation to the Independence of India!

This little forest amidst the urban madness around it has been developed into a park by the local authorities.

It could have been an ideal picnic spot if its long-tailed inhabitants would allow it.

The park is home to an army of monkeys who wouldn’t allow you to drop your guard if you are carrying food packets or bags.

So, the ideal way to enjoy this natural wonder is to quietly explore the green canopies and ponder on the miracle of creation.

Never mind the fact that we need a 400-year-old banyan tree to remind us of the power of creation, the miracle of all existence, which includes us.

In our daily race to nowhere, we have grown so aloof, so out of touch with what keeps us going that we need these reminders more often. But, for that, we have to step out of our urban jungles more often, to places that will force us to think!

However, if we look around consciously, even in our busy urban lives we will find plenty of opportunities to find nature and connect with it.

Actually, we don’t need to look far, just look within, we are not separate from nature. All we need to ask is what is our relationship with the rest of the creation, is it healthy and mutually beneficial or is it toxic?

But, other than our regular reflections and introspections, we do need occasional visits to places such as the Big Banyan Tree to understand our equation with the rest of the creation.

References:

buzzonearth.com