Photo : BSS

NATORE, April 8, 2026 (BSS) - The rare and enchanting Parijat flowers are captivating visitors at Uttara Ganabhaban, turning the historic site into a serene retreat despite the ongoing heatwave.
 
Located just beyond the entrance lake, two centuries-old Parijat trees stand as the main attraction. These towering evergreen trees, each rising about seven meters high, spread their dense foliage like vast umbrellas, shielding visitors from the sun. Their thick canopy creates a cool, shaded environment, offering relief from the scorching temperatures.
 
The Parijat flowers themselves are striking—clusters of small blossoms forming larger red blooms. Though they lack fragrance, they are rich in pollen and nectar, attracting swarms of bees. The continuous buzzing of thousands of bees collecting honey adds a dynamic charm to the tranquil setting.
 
Parijat is considered a rare species in Bangladesh and is often associated with mythology and literature. According to Biprodas Barua Narada brought the flower from heaven, and Krishna later gifted it to his wife. The flower has also been immortalized in the writings of literary icons such as Kazi Nazrul Islam and Rabindranath Tagore.
 
Officials say there are six Parijat trees within the Ganabhaban premises, with the two near the entrance dating back over 200 years to the royal era. The district administration has initiated efforts to propagate the species by cultivating saplings.
 
The site has seen a surge in visitors during the Eid holidays, with an estimated 5,000 people arriving daily. Many come specifically to experience the calming ambiance beneath the Parijat trees.
 
Visitors have expressed admiration for the rare blooms. Asmaul Husna, a university student, said she returns every year to witness their beauty. Kamrun Nahar, a visitor from Dhaka, described the flower as “extraordinary,” while Sabuj Kanti Acharya remarked that the Parijat truly lives up to its reputation as a “heavenly flower.”
 
Deputy Commissioner and President of the Uttara Ganabhaban Management Committee Asma Shaheen said that the Parijat has become a symbol of peace for visitors, offering a unique natural escape during the hot season.