Fragrance Walk and the Botany of Ships
Sun, 30 Nov
|Rani Baug / Veermata Jijabai Bhosale
Role of trees in spreading trade religion and war through sea. Along the way we shall smell fresh fragrances from flowers & leaves.
Time & Location
30 Nov 2025, 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Rani Baug / Veermata Jijabai Bhosale, Railway Station, 91A, Lalbaug Flyover, near Byculla, Byculla East, Byculla, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400027, India
About the event
This walk looks at the role trees have enabled in spreading trade, religion and war. Our walk takes place in a botanical garden whose own existence is in no small owing to ships. Amongst many other things, ships helped provide global mobility to certain trees whose position now remains cemented in human society & hierarchy. Owing to this spread we see some trees have access to more land and water than most humans.
“Owners of dogs will have noticed that, if you provide them with food and water and shelter and affection, they will think you are god. Whereas owners of cats are compelled to realize that, if you provide them with food and water and shelter and affection, they draw the conclusion that they are gods.” ―Christopher Hitchens
When it comes to trees and us, it is unclear who is god.
These walks are one of many designed to erase tree blindness and introduce Mumbai's tree diversity.
ABOUT ME
My name is Abhishek Khan. I am a research based artist, designer, and storyteller under the pen name: Hand Jobs Inc. As a designer I have designed the brand identity for General Items
I started Lalbagh.info website as a free public archive of Lal Bagh flowers. The website now hosts Flower Finder, and self-guided Fragrance Walk.
You can also subscribe to my Flower Calendar via Google Calendar here.
This is my botanical storytelling project and has been featured in
I have conducted walks in Bengaluru, Mumbai and Vancouver. I have researched, written and performed scripts like
- Fragrance Walk & the Botany of Alcohol
- Fragrance Walk & the Botany of Psychedelics
- Fragrance Walk & the Botany of Lovemaking
- Mafia of House Plants
About Rani Baug / Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan
Rani Baug was started in 1862 as a colonial style garden. The diverse collection of native and exotic trees spread over 50 acres. This space is exceptionally well maintained with colonial style architectural features. The garden boasts of hosting some trees and some exotic varieties like Cacao.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Please arrive by 7:10 am
- Garden has parking, please arrive earlier for parking and walking to gate from parking lot.
Suggested Carry Materials
- Refillable Water Bottle (no single use plastic)
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Handkerchief
- Small Basket to collect flowers/ botanicals (optional)
- Snack (optional)
- If you happen to be late, WhatsApp me for live location. No calls, as I would be amidst a very dramatic tale.
NOT ALLOWED
As per Horticulture Dept.
- DSLR cameras
- Single use plastic bottle
REFUND POLICY
You cancel 7 days before event. Else you can pass on your spot to a friend or attend the next walk.
