Villagers in Assam celebrate birthday of 208 years old banyan tree on World Environment Day

June 6: 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. On the summer of June 2012, the celebrations lasted till late evening, when the banyan tree turned 200. Since then, on June 5 while the world plants saplings on Environment Day, the villagers of Jalikheti in Assam’s Barpeta district, throw a birthday party for this tree. Cakes were brought to celebrate the birthday. The banyan tree that spreads across four bighas of land is widely visited by people from near and far.

In a report by the Indian Express, it was stated that, “It is common for villagers to consider trees, especially banyan trees, sacred. But for the residents of Jalikheti, the tree, over the years, 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. and a home to a variety of birds: oriols, mynahs, bulbuls, barbettes, koels and cuckoos.”

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.