It's a tree-mendous effort

green world

Have you ever looked up at a tree and felt a sense of gratitude for the shade it offers? When was the last time you wondered what a tree is made of, how many years old it is and the species it belongs to? ‘Neralu’, the tree festival, will answer all your questions and celebrate nature in addition to conducting various activities that will help one learn more about trees.

 The festival will bring together tree enthusiasts of different ages and host events like audio walks, talks, workshops, tree journalling and more.

Radha Rangarajan, a photographer and an event organiser, says that there will be activities like photo exhibition, which will focus on the finer details of trees. “I have been photographing trees for a long time and it was interesting to see the entries sent by the people around. Of the many images we received, we chose around 50, which illustrate the concept of trees or ‘neralu’, that means shade or shadow,” she says.

A Ajit, a young professional and a volunteer at the festival, says that the passion for nature and trees is what brings people together during this festival. “I wasn’t an active member during the last edition but this time, I am elated to be an important part of the event. It is a crowd-sourced event, which gives everyone a sense of ownership,” says
Ajit. He adds that the event is aimed at encouraging people to pay more attention to trees. “We also wanted to do it in a way which wasn’t pedantic but more like a celebration. This is why we are calling the three-day affair a festival.”

 This festival, which is taking place around the blooming season, has a lot to offer to everyone.

“We are organising ‘tree walks’ at different places like HSR Layout, Yelehanka, Krishna Rao Park and more, where in we will walk a small distance and observe the trees in the area. We will talk about the historical, mythological and medicinal aspects of the trees there and also
discuss their bio-diversity,” he says.

This edition also focusses on trees in public spaces, says Anush Shetty, another volunteer.
 “We consider trees as a ‘natural heritage’. They are a matter of pride especially in Bengaluru since it is known as the ‘Garden City’. That’s why we are celebrating trees everywhere, be it in localities or public spaces; varying from ‘kattes’ to the ones in the neighbourhood parks and streets,” he says. He adds  that the festival will see naturalists, ecologists, artists, technologists, storytellers, homemakers, photographers, students and people from all walks of life coming together.

Sangeetha Kadur, another organiser, says that festival has grown a lot with time. “We have also tried to encourage schools to send in projects on topics like measuring the height of a tree, making scrapbook on trees, painting school walls with tree murals, building a tree with natural material and more. Done with the help of teachers, these projects are meant to create an interest among youngsters in trees,” she says.

She adds that one of the popular activities of the festival will be the ‘Hug-a-Tree’ campaign.
“People will be encouraged to hug trees at the event. Also, on February 14 which is Valentine’s Day, we want to send out a message to ‘love trees’. There will be props like green hearts around trees, where people can pose and take photographs. Also, those who are unable to make it can hug a tree and e-mail us a photograph,” she sums up.

‘Neralu’, the tree festival, will take place in the City on February 7, 8 and 14. For details, log on to neralu.in