September 19, 2020

Palash Flowers: The Flame of Jungle

When Palash tree flowers in the jungle, it seems that whole area is on fire. That is why the tree is also called Flame of the forest. Near Panchkula which is our native place are Shivalik hills. One of places in these hills is called Morni. The entire route passes through hills and zigzag. There are streams passing through under the bridges. A number of wild trees and plants grow. It is a very picturesque site. We go on to that route many times just for drive. There are hordes of monkeys and langoors. This time we went yesterday. There… Read More »Palash Flowers: The Flame of Jungle

Fabled Jand Tree

There are many references to “Jand” tree in Punjabi literature. Foremost it is connected to a place called Danabad the village of Mirza in the legend of “Mirza-Sahiban”. After getting Sahiba from her home on the day of her marriage to someone else, and sneaking on his mare-called Bakki in local language, he decides to take rest under the cool shade of Jand tree. He was overconfident that even after taking rest for the summer noon, he will make it easily to his native place before the end of the day. Rest is well known. He was killed by Sahiban’s… Read More »Fabled Jand Tree

Turmeric: Versatile Spice

India produces so many spices like Black pepper, Cardamom, Ginger and Turmeric. Many expedition in the Europe were undertaken for establishing a foothold in India particularly Kerala for procuring its fabled spices. Vasco da Gama was first to reach India in pursuit of the spices. Turmeric is one spice which is an integral part of Indian cooking. It is given as a suspension in the hot milk to persons who have sustained beatings and internal injuries to relieve pain and swelling because of its powerful antibacterial properties. It contains yellow pigments called curcuminoids. One member of a curcuminoids is curcumin.… Read More »Turmeric: Versatile Spice