RAJSHAHI, MAY 26 (V7N) – Rajshahi University, the second-largest university campus in Bangladesh, is currently ablaze with the vibrant crimson hues of Krishnachura flowers, offering a striking visual contrast to the summer heat. This annual spectacle transforms the vast campus into a "large gathering place for Krishnachura," with its "dark red color burning on the canvas of the blue sky, like a magical canvas of red."

Rabindranath Tagore's lyrical homage, "Like a fragrant wind, your northern ears fly, the fragrance of your Krishnachura," aptly captures the flower's essence. The Krishnachura, or Gulmohar (scientific name: Delonix regia, family: Fabaceae), is known for its remarkable color diversity, with petals ranging from dark red to red, orange, yellow, and light yellow. Although the initial excitement of the blooms may subside, the flowers persist until the end of the rainy season. Beyond its blossoms, the tree's rich, bright green, delicately shaped leaves, each 30-50 centimeters long with 20-40 leaflets, also contribute to its unique beauty. While botanists note that Krishnachura primarily appears in red, yellow, and white varieties, the red is predominantly seen on campus. The tree, though typically low in height (maximum 12 meters), spreads widely with its branches and foliage.

Walking across the campus, the eye-catching Krishnachura can be seen coloring various locations, including near the Rabindranath Tagore and Satyendranath Bose Academic Buildings, Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Hall in Paschimpara, above Enamul Bhai's tea shop in Paribahan Market, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall, along the road in front of the Purbapara Mosque, on the banks of the pond in the slaughterhouse area, and in the Fine Arts Square.

The mesmerizing beauty of the Krishnachura has deeply resonated with students. Shuchan Das Chamak, a student of the music department, shared on Facebook: "From my room window, this Krishnachura tree can be seen right in front of me. It stands there with its immense fascination. Every morning when I wake up and see the crimson Krishnachura. It feels as if all the disappointments, sorrows, and hardships of life give way to the immense beauty of nature. May the world belong to Krishnachura."

Tasnia Akhter, a history department student, remarked, "Even in this harsh weather, the black chrysanthemum has appeared on the university premises with a beautiful message. The beauty of its eye-catching red petals has brought life back to the tired appearance of the campus, as if the black chrysanthemum and love are woven into the same thread. Its red glow has spread among everyone."

Tasnim Tabachchum, a public administration student, expressed a common sentiment: "There are very few people who do not like flowers. Among them, the Krishnachura flower is the favorite of almost everyone. Even if you are tired from studying on campus, the colorful beauty of the Krishnachura instantly makes you feel good. In this loving season, the Krishnachura flower is like a reflection of a unique beauty."

Shamsul Arifin Khan, a student of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, poetically added, "This summer, the Krishnachura flower is further enhancing the beauty of the campus. In my opinion, the Krishnachura is a living symbol of love that has bound all the lovers on the campus in a different kind of bond. May love live, may the Krishnachura flower bloom."

END/RAR/RH/