Nagaon Hosts 2nd Simolu Festival Amid Blooming Bombax Ceiba

The 2nd Simolu Festival commenced on February 15, 2025, at Bwisang-Na, an ethnic eco-resort in Barunguri, Laokhowa, Assam. The two-day festival was held to celebrate the blooming Bombax ceiba (Shimul) flowers and promote eco-tourism, conservation, and local culture. The event featured a range of activities such as cycling, camping, ethnic cuisine displays, cultural performances, and awareness sessions.

Dr. Sonali Ghosh, the Field Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, highlighted the event’s significance, describing it as a spectacular way to experience nature’s beauty while raising awareness about environmental conservation.

Key Highlights of 2nd Simolu Festival

Festival’s Aim

• Showcase the vibrant beauty of Simolu trees (Bombax ceiba) in full bloom.
• Promote sustainable tourism and conservation efforts.
• Engage local communities and students in nature-related activities.
• Highlight the ecological and cultural significance of Laokhowa and Donduwa Beel.

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Festival Location and Natural Significance

• The festival was held at Bwisang-Na, a serene ethnic eco-resort in Barunguri, Laokhowa.
• The region is famous for its wetlands, grasslands, and diverse wildlife, making it an ideal setting for an eco-tourism festival.
• The name “Simolu” comes from Bombax ceiba (Shimul tree), which blooms during this period, creating a striking red landscape.

Activities

Cycling Through the Simolu Track

• Participants cycled along a scenic route filled with blooming Shimul flowers.
• The track passed through wetlands and grasslands, rich in biodiversity.
• Dr. Sonali Ghosh remarked that cycling in this area was an immersive experience blending adventure with nature appreciation.

Camping at Bwisang-Na

• The event provided a camping experience at the eco-resort.
• Visitors enjoyed a culinary display of ethnic cuisine, showcasing traditional food of the region.
• Cultural performances, including folk dances and music, entertained the guests and highlighted the rich heritage of Assam.

Cyclothon Event to Donduwa Beel

• Cyclists rode along Donduwa Beel, a wetland teeming with migratory birds, aquatic plants, and diverse wildlife.
• The activity combined eco-tourism with environmental awareness, encouraging people to appreciate and protect natural landscapes.

Debriefing Session on Conservation

• After the cycling event, experts conducted a session on the ecological importance of the region.
• Discussions included biodiversity conservation, climate change impacts, and sustainable eco-tourism.

Student Nature Walk and Certificate Distribution

• Local students participated in a nature walk, observing and learning about flora and fauna.
• A certificate distribution ceremony was held to appreciate their involvement and encourage youth participation in environmental conservation.
• Dr. Sonali Ghosh emphasized the festival’s role in fostering community engagement, cultural pride, and ecological awareness.

Significance of the Festival

Promoting Eco-Tourism

• Encourages sustainable tourism by attracting visitors while ensuring environmental protection.
• Highlights the beauty of Laokhowa and Donduwa Beel, lesser-known eco-tourism destinations.

Cultural Heritage and Ethnic Identity

• Features local cultural performances and traditional cuisine, celebrating indigenous culture.
• Strengthens community involvement by promoting regional heritage.

Conservation and Environmental Awareness

• Raises awareness about the importance of wetland ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Encourages youth participation through nature walks and discussions.
• Promotes the preservation of Bombax ceiba trees and other native species.

Community Participation and Sustainable Development

• Engages local communities, students, and conservationists in an interactive way.
• Supports rural development by boosting eco-tourism and local livelihoods.