When the intense heat of summer sets in in northwestern Bangladesh and the dry wind blows in the Barendra region, then the colorful flowers of Rajshahi metropolis delight the eyes, spread fascination and touch the soul. This beauty emerging in the green cover of the city-nature frowns at the intense burning of the sun. When the temperature rises and becomes more intense in this drought-prone region, the city-nature is filled with seasonal flowers on the roadsides and dividers. Small corridors of trees and flowers are created under the hot summer sky in colors.
The flower trees lined up along the main roads, junctions and residential streets are blooming in gorgeous red, gold, purple, white, pink and yellow colors, soothing the harshness of the season. The fiery eye-catching form of the black chura spreads across the highway, like flames hanging over the road. Bunches of golden flowers hang like chandeliers from the branches along the road, becoming a pendant of nature. The purple jarul flowers brighten up the roads of the road junctions and quiet neighborhoods, while the orange-red flowers of the radha chura add a different kind of fascination to the city scene.
White and white wood roses bloom silently in a graceful manner amidst the stream of vehicles at various road junctions. Which creates surprising moments on the way. From the roads surrounding educational institutions to the busy commercial roads and residential areas, flowering trees create a living canopy over the heads of pedestrians, cyclists, rickshaw pullers and commuters seeking relief from the summer heat. Along the various dividers of the road, carefully planted flowering trees have spread across the city like lines of color through the concrete.
A four-lane highway from Firozabad to Chauddapai in Rajshahi metropolis. There are rows of trees on both sides of the road. However, the most eye-catching is the Sonalu flower on the side of the road in the Chhotabangram area. The road is now like a picture painted on canvas. Sonalu, Jarul and Krishnachura are blooming in rows on both sides of the road. On a hot summer afternoon, the procession of these colorful flowers brings peace to the eyes of pedestrians and tourists. It is as if nature has emptied its bags on this road. Somewhere the yellow glow of the Sonalu hangs like a lantern, somewhere the purple color of the Jarul has a soft and enchanting touch, and in between, the bright red Krishnachura announces its dominance. This three-colored Mitali has given the road a unique appearance, color, and style.
The Sonalu hangs like a golden border. The swaying of those yellow flowers in the wind seems to spread softness like a gentle rain even on a hot afternoon. Right next to it, the blood-colored Krishnachura stands proudly with its head held high. That glow, red like fire, catches the eyes of pedestrians even from a distance. The shadow of the Krishnachura is also like the lining of a red sheet. And between these two colors, the purple Jarul announces itself with a magical appearance.
The road junction from Bhadra to Talaimari Road in the city is adorned with Bagan Vilas, Alaknanda, and Kalavati. From Talaimari to Alupatti, Dolanchapa, Gandharaj, Champa, Hasnahena and Rangan are spreading their fragrance on the road. From Kashiadanga to Baharampur, the road is also decorated in colorful decorations. Various types of flowers including Gourichora, Rangan, Tagor, Masunda and others are spreading their fragrance and beauty on this road. From Court Chattar to Kashiadanga, there are now various types of flowers including Tagor, Musunda, Kabori, Lalsalu and Sheuli. In addition, various types of flowers including Kathgolap, Cherry, Lalsalu, Kanchan, Palash, Daisy, Krishnachura are adorning the sides of the road from the city’s Heritage Chattar to Nagar Bhaban. From Lakshmipur to Ghorachattar and from Lakshmipur to C&B, Sonalu, Jarul, Nadusai, Kathgolap and Jacaranda varieties are spreading their beauty.
In addition, various types of flowers such as Bagan Bilas, Kalabati, Dolanchapa, Rangan, Jacaranda, Almond, Tagor, Ganda, Rose, Shimul, Beli, Sheuli, Kathgolap etc. are adorning the various road junctions of the city.
At the initiative of Rajshahi City Corporation, various species of flower trees have been planted on both sides of the city roads. Now those trees have reached their full potential. Especially since the flowers have bloomed in full bloom for the last few days, the area has become a tourist center. Nature lovers can be seen coming here in the afternoon to take pictures.
According to Rajshahi City Corporation officials, in 2019, as part of the beautification initiative, about 10,000 trees were planted on both sides of the sidewalks of the city roads. Most of which were flowering trees. Different species of flowering trees were planted every kilometer. Various ornamental trees were planted on the roads and road junctions. Flowers bloom all year round. LED lights have also been installed on the roads, which spread beauty even at night.
Bachari-driven autorickshaw driver Zubair Hossain said, “I drive a rickshaw all day. When I get tired, I can take shelter under a tree. When I see flowers on the road, my mind feels better. I take a break in the shade.”
Rajshahi University student Noman Imtiaz said, “The flowering trees have changed the atmosphere during the harshest days of summer. When the temperature becomes unbearable and everything seems dry, these flowers bring the city to life.”
School teacher Shafiqul Islam said, “The greening of Rajshahi’s roadsides has created a rare balance between urbanization and nature. In many cities, there is only concrete, smoke and dust. But here, flowers continue to bloom on the roadsides even in the scorching heat.”
According to environmentalists, flowering trees play an important role in protecting the city from environmental stress caused by rising temperatures and water shortages. They say, in one of the country’s most climate-vulnerable regions, trees help absorb heat, reduce dust, provide shade and regulate air quality.