208-year-old banyan tree in Barpeta district of Assam
208-year-old banyan tree in Barpeta district of Assam

The residents of Jalikhata village in Bajalai in Barpeta district of Assam celebrated the birthday of a 208-year-old banyan tree on the occasion of World Environment Day on Friday.

In a view of raising global awareness about the importance of a healthy and green environment the villagers distributed 200 tree saplings by maintaining social distance.

The banyan tree remains a symbol of love of the local people for conservation.

The banyan tree that spreads across four bighas of land is widely visited by people from near and far.

The tree is looked after by a group of men representing professionals from various.

These men are quite possessive about the tree and say it is very special for them.

Scholars from Korea and Japan have visited the village to see the tree.

It is common for villagers to consider trees, especially banyan trees, sacred.

But for the residents of Jalikhata, the tree has become much more- a welcome shade on a hot day, a landmark to guide lost travellers, a backdrop for selfies, a hub of knowledge for school children and scholars.

Moreover, the tree is also home to a variety of birds: oriols, mynahs, bulbuls, barbettes, koels and cuckoos.

Sasanka Talukdar is Northeast Now Correspondent in Pathsala. He can be reached at: [email protected]