PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Uttarkashi
In Uttarakhand, August is not only a month of religious faith-inspired folk festivals, but also considered a special one for the sight of the divine Brahma Kamal-regarded as Uttarakhand’s State flower- blooming in the lap of the lofty Himalayas.
These days, Brahma Kamal is visible across a wide span of the Himalayas extending from Gangotri Valley, Harshil, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib, Valley of Flowers, Madmaheshwar to Tungnath. Besides, it blooms abundantly in the Bugyals nestled in the high-altitude mountains ranges.
Along with the devotees coming for religious Yatras and fairs, nature lovers are now thronging around in large numbers to have a glimpse of this divine blossom deeply stepped into myths.
Brahma Kamal, which blooms at altitudes of approximately 3,000 to 4,500 metres in the Himalayas, is not just a rare flower but a vibrant symbol of Uttarakhand’s religious faith, folk culture and biodiversity.
A resident of the Bhangeli-Harshil region, Sushil Uniyal explained that a large number of Brahma Kamals bloom in the Uchhaladu Gidara Bugyal. “At the Hardudhasi Fair held during the month of Sawan, Brahma Kamals are first offered to the deity Someshwar. Traditional rituals are then performed, and devotees, attending the fair, are offered Brahma Kamals as prasad. This tradition remains an important part of local culture and faith even today,” he informed.
Another resident of the same area said that when its white glow appears across the Himalayan slopes and meadows in August, the atmosphere emanates a spiritual fragrance. “Tourists and photographers from India and abroad undertake arduous Himalayan journeys to glimpse this rare flower,” he added.
Brahma Kamal holds special significance in mythologies which say that Lord Brahma created this divine flower, and Lord Shiva revived Lord Ganesha with the nectar obtained from it. For this reason, it is considered a symbol of life, creation and auspiciousness, said the experts well-versed in the culture of the state. Significantly, the tradition of offering Brahma Kamal on special religious occasions is still followed in many ancient temples spread across Uttarakhand.
Furthermore, Brahma Kamal holds special significance in the traditional Dev Melas held during August in the Gangotri and Harsil regions of Uttarkashi district. Following religious traditions, local villagers collect a limited number of Brahma Kamal from the high Himalayan meadows and offer them to their deities. After worship, these Brahma Kamals are distributed as Prasad to devotees and many families preserve them at their places of worship throughout the year.
Scientifically known as Saussurea obvallata, Brahma Kamal is an extremely rare Himalayan species of the sunflower family. Its distinctive feature is that it typically blooms at night, with its petals closing at sunrise. Its captivating fragrance and attractive shape make it one of the most distinctive flowers of the Himalayas.
Forest experts say that Brahma Kamal is a highly vulnerable and protected species. Its conservation is increasingly challenging due to climate change, uncontrolled tourism and increasing human pressure on natural habitats. Experts urge devotees and tourists to enjoy this rare flower in its natural state rather than plucking it and help preserve this precious Himalayan heritage.
