Buransh Mahotsav celebrated in Munsyari

Pithoragarh: A day-long Burash Mahotsav was held in Pithoragarh's Munsyari to raise awareness about conserving Burash tree (Rhododendron arboreum) on Saturday.Organised by Research Range, Pithoragarh, at Rhododendron Demonstration and Conservation Centre in Balati Band, the event saw participation from students and teachers of Govt Inter College, Munsyari, and villagers of Harkot Van Panchayat."The festival aims to revive cultural, economic, religious and ecological significance of this multipurpose tree," said Narendra Kumar, ranger of the research wing. "The awareness programme marked the first step toward regenerating the importance of Burash tree and promoting conservation of other local biodiversity."Khusal Harkotiya, sarpanch of Harkot Van Panchayat, noted that while residents and students appreciated the beauty of Burash flowers, many were unaware of the broader benefits of the tree, its flowers and pollen. "Burash is our natural heritage and it is our duty to conserve it for future generations," he said.As part of the awareness campaign, students wrote essays and speeches, created posters and shared personal experiences through the programme ‘Meri Burash Kahani,' said Sangeeta Joshi, a junior research fellow. The event concluded with a 2km ‘Burash Trail Walk' involving students, teachers and villagers.Lavraj Kumar, a student, said, "All these activities fostered a sense of responsibility and empowered us to take part in Burash conservation. We will continue to work towards preserving the tree and local biodiversity."