It has become a wonderful tradition, over the past few years, to highlight some herbs or other plants of medicinal value growing in Uttarakhand at the annual Vasantotsav (Spring Festival) held at Raj Bhavan. This year, the festival will be held from February 28 to March 1. The herb chosen for this year’s event is Shankhpushpi. It is known as Aloe weed or Convolvulus Pluricalis.
On this occasion, the Indian Post and Telegraph Department will issue a special first day cover on Shankhpushpi flower which has immense medicinal value. last year, the first-day cover brought out by the P & T Department to mark the festival featured Kedarpatri (Skimmia laureola) which is a medicinal plant and is eaten by the musk deer.
The first day cover is released by the Governor at the inauguration of the festival. Uttarakhand Governor Dr K K Paul will present a curtain raiser on the spring festival on February 27. He will formally inaugurate the event on the morning of February 28 at 11 a.m. like previous years, the spring festival will feature several categories like cut flowers, potted plants arrangements, loose flower arrangement, hanging pots and on-the -spot photography. This fest is held every year at Raj Bhavan by the Horticulture Department.
The first day cover facilitates in highlighting the medicinal value of the herb chosen for the year at the festival. Shankhpushpi, also known as dwarf morning glory, is one of the best natural medicines which helps in improving memory. It also treats Insomnia and mental and physical fatigue. It is an effective brain tonic and has great importance in Ayurveda..
Its branches are spread on the ground and can be more than 30 cm long. The flowers are blue in color and the leaves, which are elliptic in shape, are located at alternate positions with branches or flowers. All the parts of the herb are known to possess therapeutic benefits. It is believed to be the only herb that is capable of enhancing all the aspects related to brain power, such as learning, memory and the ability to recall. However, its popularity stems from its ability to treat Insomnia effectively.
The Horticulture Department’s initiative in familiarising people with the medicinal qualities of various herbs grown in the State is worth appreciation and makes the Vasantotsav not only an occasion for entertainment but also an opportunity for getting information on various issues related to horticulture and floriculture In 2012, the first day cover made by the Department of Posts and Telegraphs for the occasion featured “Fyuli”, the tiny, yellow flower which grows in Uttarakhand at spring time.
In 2013, the first day cover featured “Kilmora” a medicinal herbal that grows in Kumaon hills. Its root is used in treating ulcers, Jaundice, fever etc It is also used to treat Conjunctivitis. Its fruit is cooling and laxative.The Vasantotsav organised every year at Raj Bhavan by the Horticulture and Food Processing department features painting competitions, music and dance events, flower exhibition and several other activities.
Stalls by various departments and organisations will also be put up. Floral Rangoli, on-the -spot painting competitions and photography and painting exhibitions will be part of Basantotsav besides the stalls put up by organisations like FRI, ONGC and Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology.