Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Mar 9: After months of harsh winter, the almond trees at Srinagar’s historic Badamwari garden have burst into bloom, covering the foothills of Koh-e-Maraan in vibrant shades of pink and white and heralding the arrival of spring in Kashmir.
For the people of the Valley, the blooming of the almond trees is more than just a seasonal change; it is an annual celebration that marks the end of the long winter chill.
On Monday, the garden wore a festive look as families flocked to its green slopes. Children were seen playing among the flowering trees while elders sat in the sun, soaking in the first real warmth of the year.
Mathora Masoom, Director of the Floriculture Department Kashmir, told Kashmir Convener that the first bloom always begins there. “This garden belongs to the people,” she said.
She added that to ensure the spring cheer lasts beyond the almond season, the Floriculture Department has planted 300 new saplings and around 40,000 lavender plants, which are expected to bloom in May. Daffodils and tulips have also been added to keep the garden vibrant for weeks.
“We have brought the essence of the entire spring bloom here,” Masoom added.
Meanwhile, for visitors, Badamwari has become a spring special. Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, a 68-year-old resident of the old city, speaking to Kashmir Convener, said, “I have been coming here since childhood. My father used to bring me here when I was this small,” he said, pointing to his grandson. “This garden tells us that winter is finally over. It is our calendar, our celebration.”
Students and youth have made the garden their weekend haunt. “Today, it is like walking into a painting. We have taken so many photographs. This is our favourite place in Srinagar now,” said Insha Rasool, a student.
“It is a cherished sight that reminds us of the resilience of our land,” said Aazan, a resident of Zafran Colony.
The spectacle has also drawn tourists, many of whom discovered the garden by chance. “It feels like walking through those Japanese gardens,” said Vishal Vinayak, a tourist trying to capture the perfect shot. “The pink against the blue sky, the mountains in the background—my phone cannot do justice to it.”
Prashant, a first-time visitor from Pune, speaking to Kashmir Convener, said the reality surpassed social media reels. “I finally understand why they call it paradise,” he said.
Meanwhile, a senior tourism official told Kashmir Convener that the garden is in full bloom and a Spring Festival is underway, which is expected to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the coming days, as footfall is also expected to surge.
The official said the Handicrafts Department has set up stalls showcasing traditional crafts like papier-mâché and crewel embroidery, while local growers are selling seedlings and ornamental plants.
