Banyan Tree - Enjoy the Majesty and Mystery of this Tree of Life

Banyan trees are one of the most iconic and well-known tree species in the world. In fact, January 17 is celebrated as Banyan Tree Day. In this article, Dr Elsa Lycias Joel says cities need more banyan trees since they recharge the depleting groundwater table. Let's forget the inherent challenges that come with managing an unseen resource such as groundwater and start conserving and nurturing banyan trees.

-  Dr Elsa Lycias Joel

Trees are considered to be sacred in India and most trees symbolize deities. According to Hinduism, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva reside in various parts of the banyan tree (Indian fig tree, Ficus bengalensis). Hailed as the most venerated tree of India, the banyan or the bargad tree is planted in the grounds of Hindu temples. It is also known as the National Tree of India. Seemingly, no other tree has been imbued with mythologies, folklores, and fairytales. Native to the Indian subcontinent, this tree is called Kalpavriksha in Hindu mythology. Hence, it is believed to fulfill wishes and provide riches.

Our national tree is my all-time favourite because those prop roots have never let me down and they spread laterally indefinitely creating an expansive canopy. Nothing matches that satisfaction I get when I manage to hang on to those dangling roots to swing as long and far as I could. Those roots look like they can walk the earth. Every time I step under an old banyan tree, it feels like walking into a mini jungle. Early mornings and evenings are the best times to enjoy the majesty and mystery of this tree of life. You hear songs and sounds of many birds and see the scurry of squirrels on branches. No squabble or squawking is heard as the birds and animals don’t have to vie with each other for space or food. Only the banyan tree can cater generously to the needs of its inhabitants round the year and that’s why birds flock into the branches. “Foods for birds include not just the figs but other invertebrates that live in the tree," says Dr Robert Grubh, former principal scientist at Bombay Natural History Society (1964-1993). He happily reminisced about how he climbed up a banyan tree in 1971 in Saurashtra to tag several white backed vulture nestlings.