When spring burns bright in Tahirpur Shimul Bagan

As spring unfolds across the countryside, Shimul Bagan (Shimul Garden) at Manigaon village bursts into a breathtaking display of fiery red blooms, transforming the landscape into a vivid canvas of colour. Its towering trees, laden with blossoms, stand like natural torches against the clear blue sky, while fallen petals carpet the ground in a striking crimson hue.
Located 28 kilometres away from Sunamganj Sadar, the garden hosts the largest collection of shimul (Bombax ceiba) trees in the country, the source of the signature flower of the spring, mesmerising visitors every year. When around 3,500 shimul trees not only capture the essence of spring but also draw nature lovers, tourists witness a fleeting beauty.
On the other side lie the Meghalaya hills of India, in the middle flows the Jadukata River, and on this side stands the Shimul Bagan. Together, they create a unique and exquisite poem of nature.
Many people eagerly wait for the flowers to bloom in this shimul garden, asking around for updates. When flowers bloom, dressed in spring hues, they flock to the enchanting Shimul Bagan on the bank of the beautiful Jadukata River. Some come with family members, others with their loved ones, and some arrive alone, seeking themselves amidst nature.
They stroll through the garden, take photos, and groups of young people become immersed in song. The melodies of Hason Raja, Durbin Shah and Shah Abdul Karim spread throughout the garden. Some sit under the shade of trees, enjoying quiet moments, while others gather fallen flowers. Time passes in stories of love.
Not only adults, but children also come to the Shimul Bagan. They revel in joy, running around, riding horses, swinging on swings, and gazing at the hills, all bringing them delight.
Shayla Sabrin and Moshiul Alam, a couple visited the garden on Friday. They both work at a private organisation in Sylhet and were accompanied by four family members. 
Talking to this correspondent, Shayla said, “I had been waiting for the flowers to bloom so I could come. But it was difficult to manage time. Finally the Eid vacation has offered an opportunity and I have come with my family. It feels wonderful to see this.”
Young entrepreneur Fayez Ahmed, a resident of Sunamganj, came with his friends. Fayez said, “I have been to the Shimul Bagan earlier. This time I have brought my friends. It’s really nice. During this season, the shimul trees bloom and paint the entire garden red.”
Chatak Government College student Indrani Sarkar Bithi said, “The shimul garden feels as if it welcomes us dressed in the colours of spring. I feel really good whenever I visit the garden. There’s joy, and it lifts my mood.”
In 2001, the garden was established by a local tree lover, social worker and former chairman of Badaghat Union Council, Joynal Abedin. He is no longer alive.
His successors named the garden “Joynal Shimul Bagan”, commemorating him. Spread over 30 acres of land, flowers of the garden begin to bloom from the mid of February and remain for one month. Gradually, the blossoms fall, and over time new leaves sprout on the trees, turning the garden green again.
The late Joynal Abedin’s son, Rakhab Uddin, said, “A canteen has been set up in the garden for the convenience of tourists. There are also proper facilities for rest. The upazila administration has also established a guesthouse. We have plans to carry out further work, including enhancing the garden’s beauty.”
At this time, the garden sees a large crowd of tourists. Police patrols are deployed on special days for their safety.
“We are aware of the large turnout of tourists in the area. Therefore, our members stay there to provide visitors with security. I can assure nature lovers that they would face no problem if they come to visit the beauty of the Shimul Bagan,” Mohammad Aminul Islam, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Tahirpur Police Station, said.

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