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  • Commemorative Stamp
  • 8 March 1997

Parijat, Se-tenant Pair

Parijat Tree

The Parijat tree, one of the two stamps of the Parijat pair of 1997.

Date of issue March 8, 1997
Denomination Rs. 5
Quantity printed 700000
Printer Calcutta Security Printers Ltd
Perforation comb 13 x 13½
Watermark No Watermark
Colours Multicolor
Printing process Offset Lithography
Credit Shri R. N. Pasricha
Catalogue codes Michel IN 1541 Stamp Number IN 1599 Yvert et Tellier IN 1311 Stanley Gibbons IN 1705

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About this stamp

Introduction

Parijat is considered a sacred and divine tree in Indian culture. It is admired for its fragrant flowers, ornamental beauty, and medicinal importance. The tree holds a special place in literature and tradition, and its flowers have been mentioned in the poems of Rabindranath Tagore.

Names of the Tree

Parijat is known by several popular names, including:

  • Har Singar
  • Sephali
  • Sephalika
  • Night Jasmine

Characteristics

The Parijat tree is known for its attractive and fragrant flowers.

  • The flowers bloom during the evening hours.
  • They fall to the ground by the next morning.
  • The flower stem is saffron-orange in colour.
  • The petals are white and delicate.
  • The branches of the tree are rectangular in shape.
  • Flowering season is from August to October.

Distribution

Parijat grows widely in India, especially in the outer Himalayan regions up to a height of 1400 metres. It is found in:

  • Jammu and Kashmir
  • Nepal
  • Assam
  • West Bengal
  • Tripura
  • Central India up to the Godavari region

It is also found in Thailand, Indonesia, and Pakistan.

Medicinal Uses

Parijat has many medicinal properties.

  • Leaf juice is used in the treatment of fever.
  • Bark medicine helps relieve swelling of the lungs.
  • Bark oil is useful for eye pain and hair tonics.
  • Leaf juice mixed with honey is used for chronic fever.
  • Leaf decoction helps in sciatica pain.
  • Seeds are used for skin diseases and piles.
  • Flowers act as an appetiser and soothe the stomach.

Importance

Apart from beautifying gardens with its fragrant flowers, the Parijat tree is highly valued in traditional medicine and cultural heritage.

Conclusion

The Parijat tree is a symbol of beauty, healing, and spirituality. Its divine status, pleasant fragrance, and medicinal usefulness make it one of the most cherished trees in Indian tradition.

Related stamps

From the same issue, then stamps sharing its themes, especially Trees and Plants (Flora); closest in year first.

All Trees stamps →
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