My mindscape while writing this post — an October evening somewhere in Assam, enchanted by the heady fragrance of the Milky Pine (Saptaparni), its characteristic clusters of creamy, greenish-white flowers in full bloom. Image visualized by the author and brought to life with a little help from ChatGPT.
Can a city announce the arrival of a season without a calendar?
Apparently, yes!
Today’s article in The Indian Express explored how Delhi’s trees mark the changing seasons, with Saptaparni’s heady October fragrance heralding the approach of winter — sharing the link:
Reading it took me down a rather fragrant memory lane, back to my growing-up years in Assam and my enduring fascination with Chhatim. Saptaparni. Milky Pine. And also called the Blackboard Tree.
October Has a Fragrance
There is something about October that cannot quite be explained merely by words.
The evenings turn pleasant, and there is a sudden nip in the air. And then, almost without warning, a fragrance takes over.
An eternal learner<->flaneur<->dreamer<-> writer who tries to capture life's fleeting moments and all in between and believes in dolce far niente🍀💖🙏✨🌛♾️🌻🧿
Interestingly, this tree has its share of mythology and mystery.
I find the mythological side of this tree even more interesting. It is amazing how a simple tree can have so much history, meaning and mystery connected to it.
Moon & Deep, what a beautiful connection between fragrance, childhood memories, and the magic of autumn. Your words make me almost feel the scent of Saptaparni and experience its nostalgia. Thank you for sharing! ❤️
I am glad Saptaparni reminds you of October smells, connecting your childhood to the present. A beautiful account that I enjoyed. Thanks for the share.
