Banyan tree in Bengali culture
Engr. Mohammad Ariful Islam Tangail
A banyan tree plays an important role in Bengali culture. It is a huge tree spread over a large area around it. The most interesting thing about banyan trees is that stems come out to the ground as an outgrowth of branches and support the extending branches round the tree. It is a popular abode of birds. For its shade, people, usually tired passers-by and cowboys, take rest sitting under this tree. The leaves are a common food for cattle. These leaves are also the major raw materials for 'bidi' factories. It is a centre for social events too. Local meetings and discussions are often held under banyan trees. People also sit there just to gossip or play chess or cards. These trees serve not only as a place for social gathering but also a centre for business transaction. We must take care of the banyan trees.
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