झूला धीरे से झुलावो बनवारी, अरे सांवरिया|
झूला झूलत मोरा जियरा डरत है,
लचके कदमिया की डारी, अरे सांवरिया|
अगल बगल दुई सखियां झूलत हैं,
बीच में झूलें राधा प्यारी, अरे सांवरिया|
This beautiful folk song from Vrindavan, thousands of years old, mentions the Kadam tree which was once in abundance in Vraj. The swing mentioned in this song is on a Kadam tree, which in the rainy season is laden with round, deep yellow ball like flowers. The fruit is eaten. It was also a natural ball used for playing ball games by Krishna and friends.
This big shady tree with large leaves and millions of yellow golden balls is a pretty sight by itself on Indian roads again, thanks to the forest department’s tree planting drive in recent years.
I found it useful in arthritic swelling. Bathua is a blood-purifier. Bathua juice helps in de-worming. Bathua is “Rakt-pitta naashak, Tridosh-naashak.”
In pregnancy, Ayurveda says, Bathua should not be eaten. Prevents early menopause. Good to reduce pain during menstrual period. Prevents post-delivery infections.
How to make this rangoli?
First I made a four-petalled flower in the center. Gave it an inner line. Then I made a double circle around the flower. Filled the space between the two circles with stripes. Lastly I drew the leaves around the circle and striped the leaves. Finishing touches are with fresh and fragrant Malati flowers.
Marigold, roses, pink asters and leaves make this floral rangoli.
Time: Pre sunset, Month: December
On the road from Guwahati to Jorhat, Assam
Welcome to a view of Kaziranga National Park, a World Heritage Site, famous for the one-horned rhino
There are 3 rhinos at a distance in this photo. Try and spot at least one!
[Photo credits: Anisha Sharma]
Plumeria, marigold and chandni flowers have been used to make this floral rangoli in an uruli full of water.