The Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu are currently witnessing a breathtaking spectacle of nature as the rare and enchanting Neelakurinji flowers bloom en masse, painting the landscape with vibrant blue hues. This phenomenon occurs once every 12 years, making it a highly anticipated event. This rarity creates a natural wonder that attracts nature enthusiasts and tourists from worldwide, eager to witness the majestic display. Recently, Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Supriya Sahu, shared captivating visuals of the rare Neelakurinji flowers on X.
The shared video and photos showcase the stunning flowers in full glory. One image features Kuttan, a Toda tribesman, surrounded by a sea of blue, with the clear blue sky accentuating the scene's allure. Another photo captures the vibrant blue flowers peeking through lush green foliage.
''Kuttan a Toda tribesman sits proudly among the blooming Neelakurinji flowers in Nilgiris. Flowers of Neelkurinji bloom once in 12 years cycle. It is said that Nilgiris gets its name due to the magical blue hue imparted by these stunning flowers. Neelakurinji Strobilanthes kunthiana has most recently been assessed for The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2024 and listed as Vulnerable emphasising the need for its conservation,'' the tweet was captioned.
See the pictures here:
Kuttan a Toda tribesman sits proudly among the blooming Neelakurinji flowers in Nilgiris. Flowers of Neelkurinji bloom once in 12 years cycle. It is said that Nilgiris gets its name due to the magical blue hue imparted by these stunning flowers. Neelakurinji Strobilanthes… pic.twitter.com/ugEgsxBiUk
— Supriya Sahu IAS (@supriyasahuias) September 26, 2024
Reacting to the mesmerising pictures, one user said, ''The Magical and rarity quality of nature's creation.'' Another commented, ''These rare flower species should be protected by all means.''
A third added, ''Nature is next only to heaven. Being in cities we become more uncivilised and inhumane. Speak to any tribal, farmer or villager they know more about nature than any well-qualified environmentalist. Preserve nature for next-gen protection.''
The Rare Bloom of Neelakurinji
Every 12 years, the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu, India, witness a breathtaking phenomenon – the blooming of the rare Neelakurinji flowers. This stunning spectacle transforms the landscape into a vibrant blue canvas, captivating the hearts of nature enthusiasts worldwide. The Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) is a unique plant species that bloom in unison, painting the hills with an ethereal blue hue. This rare flowering phenomenon occurs when the plant reaches maturity, typically after a 12-year cycle. The blooms last for several weeks, creating a mesmerising display of natural beauty.
The Toda tribes, indigenous to the Nilgiris, consider the Neelakurinji sacred, believing its bloom brings prosperity and good fortune. As the flowers bloom, the hills come alive with festivities, attracting tourists and locals alike.
