Rhododendrons in full bloom across Bajura forests

By Sher Bahadur Sarki,Bajura, Mar. 4: With the arrival of the spring season, most of the forested hills in Bajura have been covered with blooming rhododendrons, known as laligurash in the local language. 

As the first week of March unfolds, these vibrant red flowers have started blossoming everywhere, turning the hills red.

The sight of blooming rhododendrons captivates anyone who visits. Even children eagerly head to the hills on weekends to pick these flowers and enjoy their beauty. Schools in the area also use rhododendrons to make garlands to honour guests during special programmes. Similarly, domesticated and wild bees are drawn to these flowers, busy collecting nectar to produce honey.

The hilly districts of Sudurpaschim Province -- Bajura, Bajhang, Doti, Achham, Baitadi, Darchula and Dadeldhura -- celebrate the Holi festival with great enthusiasm. This year, Holi will be observed on March 13 in the hilly regions. Locals often make garlands from rhododendrons for the day.

During Holi, people wear rhododendron garlands and play traditional musical instruments like the Pijura (a cymbal-like instrument made of brass). Women venture into the forests to gather flowers, which are then strung into garlands for men to wear around their necks while celebrating the Holi. 

The red flowers beautifully complement the white clothing worn during the festival, making the garland a cherished part of the celebration.

The stunning rhododendron blossoms also attract visitors from outside the region. Some locals pluck the flowers to eat, while others use them as decorative accessories. As Nepal’s national flower, rhododendron holds special significance. Many children gather them from the forests during February and March to sell to visitors.

Tourists and outsiders are often fascinated by these flowers. Similarly, local women, when heading to the forests to collect fodder and firewood, bring rhododendrons back home to delight their children.

Even infants seem to prefer playing with the flowers over drinking milk from their mothers. Babies, while nursing, often clutch and play with the rhododendron blooms in their tiny hands.

Much like how villages are adorned with marigolds and globe amaranths during the Dashain and Tihar festivals, the forests and hills are now decorated with rhododendrons. Local Ramita BK from Budhiganga Municipality said that rhododendrons are also used to welcome guests during this season.

She added, “Even government and non-government organisations here use rhododendrons to honour guests at official programmes.” During Holi, revellers adorn themselves with rhododendron garlands while celebrating.

Rhododendrons bloom plentifully in the forests of several rural municipalities, including Himali, Jagannath, Swamikartik, Budhinanda, Badimalika, Gaumul, Budhiganga and Tribeni Khaptad Chededaha.