Much before the onset of summer, Butea Monosperma , popularly known as ‘Flame of the forest’ is in full bloom in rural parts of the district presenting an enchanting sight.
The blooming of this flower also heralds Spring season. From a distance, it’s like seeing a brightly lit torch, given its bright orange colour.
These trees are distinct as they wear more flowers than leaves. During this season children in rural areas mash the flowers to extract juice, which is then used as colour to sprinkle on each other on Holi, the festival of colours. Though people cultivate this tree in their compounds, they are mostly found in the wilderness.
In Telangana region, these flowers are used in the worship of Lord Shiva on Sivaratri. In Telugu, this tree is called Moduga chettu. The colour extracted from these flowers is used as dye and also has medicinal properties. The Moduga tree also has a mythological background and it is said that this tree is a form of Agni, the god of fire. V. Visweswar Reddy of Gannaram village in Wardhannapet mandal says the blooming of Moduga brings joy and cheers to children in village. “In the past, villagers would collect these flowers for various purposes. However, people are gradually losing interest in these things now,” he laments.
