The semal tree is in all its glory with its crown of scarlet flowers. Its gum, immature fruits, young roots and buds have several medical properties. This tree is associated with folklore and is significant in the socio-ethnic lives of people across the India-Nepal border.

Like our childhood, basant seems to belong to a bygone era. Now in just a couple of days the mercury jumps many degrees and the harsh Indian summer is upon us. From rajai and no-fan nights, we go straight into air conditioned rooms. And, more worryingly, the rising heat and disappearing spring is a direct threat to our granaries.

To mark the advent of spring and Holi, tribal communities in Chhattisgarh joyfully welcome spring with colours they have made from palash flowers in the age-old tradition.

Trees which have willingly or unwillingly migrated to a foreign land, across the seas, several thousands of miles away from their home have a different vocabulary from the one back home, likely stemming from their isolation, grief, happiness, destitute, loneliness, friendships, or adoptions.

The tiger is a monk. It won't bother you, or be bothered by you. It tries to maintain its composure as much as it can. Even if you are around it, it will most likely be unfazed. And even when a tiger expresses its aggression, it is mock. It's a construct.

Thousands of farmers in Chiraigaon block of Varanasi cultivate flowers. Navratri and Diwali are when they earn maximum profits. While untimely October rains have destroyed a part of their produce, they hope Diwali sales will help compensate for their losses.

Once rulers, Paharia tribe in Jharkhand is now highly vulnerable and struggling poverty, malnutrition and human trafficking.