Bhopal Scented with the Fragrance of Harsingar: A Precious Gift of Nature

Bhopal is drenched in a mesmerizing fragrance. If you know the city only for its zarda, purdah, or as the city of lakes and hills, then it's time to add another beautiful identity

Bhopal Scented with the Fragrance of Harsingar: A Precious Gift of Nature
Bhopal is drenched in a mesmerizing fragrance

These days, Bhopal is drenched in a mesmerizing fragrance. If you know the city only for its zarda, purdah, or as the city of lakes and hills, then it's time to add another beautiful identity to it—Bhopal is now a city of divine fragrance as well. The picturesque landscapes and breezy air of this Nawabi city seem to be calling out, "Breathe in our delicate, sweet scent!" And that enchanting fragrance comes from the flowers of Harsingar, also known as Parijat, Night Jasmine, or Prajakta.

Harsingar is in full bloom right now. No matter which part of the city you’re in, you’ll feel its soothing aroma flowing with you. Nature has truly blessed this 20-25 feet tall tree with something extraordinary. The off-white petals of its flowers are adorned with a gentle saffron dot in the center, making them a sight to behold. Harsingar begins blooming at the end of the monsoon season and continues through autumn and early winter, filling the air with its delightful fragrance. Known as Night Jasmine in English, this flower's scent is nothing short of magical.

The life of a Harsingar flower is just one night. It blooms in the silence of the night, fills the air with its captivating fragrance, and before the sun rises, the flowers fall gracefully to the ground. Standing under a Harsingar tree in the early morning feels as if it has laid out a floral bed just for your arrival. Words may fall short in capturing the beauty of its scent—it feels like the air is filled with the fine essence of cardamom.

Right now, many parts of Bhopal are immersed in the fragrance of Harsingar. Whether it’s Green Park Colony or Ashoka Garden, every corner is scented with it. As you pass by Manisha Market or stroll through the serene Ekant Park in the morning, you’ll find Harsingar flowers scattered everywhere. From MP Nagar to Jawahar Chowk, the tree’s fragrance follows you down every street.

Even while walking along the banks of Bhopal's Boat Club or Van Vihar, the soothing scent of Harsingar keeps you company. The same enchanting fragrance graces the area from Kaliyasot River to Kerwa as well. On a full moon night, watch the moonlight filter through the leaves of a Harsingar tree, and if it doesn’t feel like a glimpse of paradise, you can say otherwise! But remember, this magical scene is at its peak from dusk till dawn.

The most incredible thing about Harsingar is that after shedding thousands of flowers by morning, it returns the next day with a fresh bloom, ready to spread its charm all over again. The botanical name of this tree is Nyctanthes arbor-tristis. If you haven’t yet experienced the fragrance of Harsingar, take a moment today to stand beneath its branches and let nature’s perfume embrace you.