A Jacaranda Jamboree : Purple Reign in Kathmandu
Kathmandu bursts into colour as jacaranda trees bloom across the city, transforming streets and parks with vibrant purple petals. A light-hearted take on nature’s brief but beautiful protest against urban chaos.
It’s that time of year again in Kathmandu when the city, usually a chaotic jumble of honking horns, smog, and determined scooters, is suddenly draped in what can only be described as Mother Nature’s finest frock. The jacaranda flowers are in bloom, and oh, what a show they put on! The trees have clearly decided to throw their own version of a street party, and the guest list includes everyone from selfie-snappers to dawdling romantics.
Strolling down the avenues and alleyways, one can’t help but feel as though they’ve wandered into a Bollywood dream sequence – minus the spontaneous dance number, though one wouldn’t be entirely surprised if that broke out too. The trees, with their delicate lavender blossoms, look like they’ve been sprinkled by the gods with a liberal hand and a rather theatrical sense of flair.
It’s all very Instagrammable, of course. Kathmandu’s streets are currently clogged not just with traffic but with aspiring influencers trying to get the perfect angle. One young man was even seen lying on the pavement, presumably in pursuit of the shot, while a curious dog looked on, unconvinced. The fallen petals form what one might romantically call a ‘purple carpet’, though less poetically, it’s also a bit of a slip hazard if you’re wearing loafers with no grip. Consider yourself warned.
But underneath this annual visual feast lies a more sobering truth: the jacaranda bloom is nature’s brief but brilliant protest against a city being swallowed whole by concrete. It’s a short-lived reminder that trees are not just there for decoration—or for adding a splash of colour to one’s Tinder profile—but that they play a rather crucial role in cooling cities, cleaning the air, and providing a bit of much-needed serenity.
As the air grows thicker and the buildings rise taller, these seasonal moments become ever more precious. It’s like nature saying, “Look what I can do, if only you let me.” It’s not shouting; it’s just gently wafting petals into your tea and hoping you’ll take the hint.
So, if you happen to be in Kathmandu, grab your camera, your comfiest shoes, and perhaps an antihistamine or two, and take a wander. Soak it in before the blossoms drop, the petals turn to pulp, and the jacarandas return to being just trees again.
Because, as they say, it’s all very well having concrete jungles… until the jungle forgets to bring the flowers.
What's Your Reaction?
