The season of the ‘King of all fruits’ has arrived with the arrival of the scorching heat, and this holds particular significance to the state of Gujarat for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, Mangoes tickle the taste buds of Gujaratis as ‘Aamras’ is an emotion for Gujaratis, more than an innate taste. Secondly, Gujarat is home to this 1000 year old Mango tree that apparently WALKS.
Yes, a Mango tree walking. Yes, this Mango tree “walks”. Read that again.
But there is an explanation for this, no, it’s not paranormal. In Gujarat’s Valsad district, in the Sanjan hamlet of Umargam is a 1000 year old Mango tree that has been on the move since the last two centuries and is said to be still “walking”. This walking mango tree has been listed as one of Gujarat’s 50 Heritage Trees and has now been considered quite a legend among travellers from across India who come to witness this legend.
The tree has reportedly travelled 200 metres from its original location since the last two centuries and is still said to be walking. Furthermore, to add more to its qualities, residents of the area also claim that the tree has certain distinctive qualities that make it even more interesting to many.
According to locals the tree was planted 1300 years ago at Sanjan village by the Parsi community, however the age of the same is still unverified. Sanjan village has a major influx of Zoroastrian immigrants who had applied for asylum in the state of Gujarat a thousand years ago. Since then, Sanjan village remains synonymous with the Parsi community. A rather interesting fact, according to historians is that the name of the village is derived from the city where Parsis seemed to have originated from: Sanjan in the now erstwhile Khorasan area.
The Khorasan area today is a vast territory that comprises Northeastern Iran, Southern region of Turkmenistan and the Northern parts of Afghanistan. Sanjan village in Gujarat therefore has a major touch of Zoroastrianism. This village is also located close to the Union Territory of Daman.
The mango tree is located at a farm purchased by the late Vali Ahmed Achchu about a 100 years ago. According to locals, the tree keeps moving away from its original site and the movement is towards the east. The branches of the tree grow parallel to the ground from the main stem and they continue to grow the same way from the new stem and as the new roots appear, that takes on the same pattern.
The mangoes from this tree are smaller compared to other mangoes, and they turn a dark shade of red when ripe. Reportedly, multiple samples of the tree were collected by the Forest Department for the purpose of grafting, however it later failed. The tree is considered close to the hearts of all locals as they consider the tree holy and have preserved it. Tribals worship the tree and perform rituals and poojas to it.
So there you have it, Gujarat’s one and only “Walking Mango Tree”. If you ever happen to visit it, do let us know more about it!
