A big flowering tree in Indian yellow with its branches fanning out to the east, west and north is a recurrent metaphor in Gond art. Paintings by the Gond tribe reflect their admiration for nature and its bounties. Shrouded in the shade of this mahua tree is a group of hand-drawn women — with round bindis and buns — collecting flowers. Spring has a short life in our country and almost in agreement with the season, mahua blossoms come and go in a wink. To spot them during this short spell, Sameer Savlaram Adhikari, co-owner of Mohraan Farms, is hosting Mohotsav — a homage to mahua trees. The spirit of Mohotsav is much like the commonly seen Gond painting we recall.

Flowers