2030: Year of “Neelakurinji” Flowers

2030: The year of "Neelakurinji" Flowers

On this last day of the first month of 2019, I would like to remember a substantial memory which the auspicious year 2018 granted us; which is the enchanting view of a rare flower which blooms after every 12 years known as "Neelakurinji".

Nature has its own charisma which makes us experience its immense splendid beauty. It makes us wait for several years to have a breathtaking view of beautiful flowers like "Queen of the Andes" (which blooms after every 100 years), "Sankhupushpam" (which blooms after every 50 years) and "Neelakurinji" (which blooms after every 12 years). Also it is said by Plato "Excellent things are rare".

"Neelakurinji" majorly blooms in God's own country 'Kerela' and is also found in some parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. These are purplish blue flowers which give a purplish look to the rolling hills on which it grows. The purple color of these flowers symbolizes calmness, sophistication and coolness. Munnar, a hill station in Kerela, is already known for its magnificent beauty but this year it had another added charm enhancing its loveliness and it the "Neelakurinji" flowers. Natives of this place consider "Neelakurinji" flowers to be a symbol of love and romance. Also they used to remember their age as per the blooming season of these flowers i.e. counting 12 years and adding on it as time passes by. This year it started blooming in the month of August due to late arrival of Monsoon which otherwise would have started to bloom in July itself. Last it was seen in the year 2006. Prior to it, its bloom was documented for the respective years; 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958 and so on. Honey made out of "Neelakurinji" flowers is considered much tastier when compared to other honey. These delicate shrubs of 30 to 60 cm high inhabiting the cooler zones of the valleys, reproduce once in their lifetime and then it dies post flowering.

Tourists from around the world flock here to enjoy this fascinating experience. However last year due to the floods in Kerela; this rare species could attract fewer nature lovers.

The breathtaking view of these flowers makes one fall in love with the nature. It appears as if the soul of the paradise resides over here. The endless valleys connecting the stunning hills having the mesmerizing carpet of "Neelakurinji" flowers on top of it often covered with purplish colored fog, cool breeze, music of the air, chirping of the birds, blue sky above makes an incredible combination. Breeze caresses the flowers making them dance gently. It sings the melody of their beauty. One can feel like nature is conspiring to make you fall for it. The environment is filled with peace, love, beauty and calmness. Everything going in your mind related to your concerns vanishes; you are just in the moment. Words fall less to express this serene beauty. One gets perplexed in his thoughts on being there in terms of how one can react in being at that moment, shall he smile, shall he sing, shall he praise God, shall he dance, shall he start day dreaming or start writing poetry describing it's elegance and the list goes on.

Such delighting beauty is a gift of the Almighty to the mankind, which touches our soul. Its glimpse makes me feel blessed and its memory will forever be encrypted in my mind. I feel nothing is more beautiful than the nature. I feel like getting captured in this blissful moment forever.

This wait of 12 years to witness such a splendid beauty makes me quote "Waiting is a sign of true love and patience. Anyone can say I love you, but not everyone can wait and prove it's true"- Anonymous.

"Neelakurinji's" declining growth is a matter of serious concern. Although the government of Kerela did run campaigns and established council i.e., "Save Kurinji Campaign Council" to strengthen its protection but I do believe nationwide campaigns should be ran every blooming period to spread the message to the younger generation about this rare beauty thereby inspiring them to preserve this rare beauty. If won't preserved in future nobody will get a glimpse of it.

Bidding goodbye to Neelakurinji last 2018; hoping it to see it lovingly blooming again in the year 2030. India will welcome you whole heartedly in 2030.