In anticipation of… CROCUS 2011

It’s that time of year again when there’s a slight nip in the air, a crisp freshness you can’t ignore, anticipation builds up and there’s a festive feeling all around. Strings of fairy lights go up, only to stay there a while, because Dussehra might be over but Diwali is right around the corner and X’mas and New Year are almost here. But for us here at Saffron Tree, and yes, for our readers too there’s an extra reason to celebrate. That’s right, it’s time for our annual festival, CROCUS 2011.

Saffron Tree turns five this year. Five. It has a nice ring to it. Mainly because five is an important number in many traditions. There is of course the ancient pentagram or the five pointed star, incidentally, dating back to the Vedas too, as a symbol of man, the five wounds of Christ, the five times a devout Muslim is called to prayer, the five symbols of Sikhism and not so sacred but oh so important, the five fingers on a hand. We at Saffron Tree however, decided to narrow our focus to Aristotle’s five classical elements, namely, water, fire, earth, air and ether.

As is usual, we bring you a veritable bonanza. Reviews, art and craft, our very popular Crocusword and interviews galore, of arborists, archeologists, environmentalists and more. Even as I type this I wonder if I’ve given you too much of a peek. Perhaps I have. So I’m going to stop here and leave you thirsting for more. What I will share with you, is our lovely banner, designed by the very talented Lavanya Karthik. Feast your eyes on it, folks and brace yourself for the smorgasbord ahead. As ever, spread the joy, share the beauty of the written word and tell the world that CROCUS 2011, is almost here.