Embracing Autumn’s Bounty in Kashmir
By: Javid Amin
As autumn blankets the picturesque region of Kashmir, a season of plenty and preparation unfolds. This season, often referred to as the “queen of all seasons” in Kashmir, brings a multitude of changes and traditions.
Harvest Season: Farmers gather grains while nomads descend from highland pastures with their herds of sheep and goats. The landscape undergoes a transformation as chinar leaves turn from yellow to crimson, and grapes, apples, and walnuts ripen.
A Season of Plenty: Kashmir’s autumn is marked by a bountiful harvest and a soothing sun. Trout fishing in the streams and bird watching in the marshes become popular activities. Migratory birds from distant lands grace the region with their presence.
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Preparation for Winter: As days grow shorter and nights longer, an inexplicable silence descends upon the evenings. This marks the beginning of preparations for the harsh winter, which usually sets in by late November.
Challenges in Agriculture: While autumn is a time of abundance, it’s also a time of challenges. Paddy fields, once abundant, have dwindled due to land conversion for housing and commercial purposes. This has led to increased reliance on government retail outlets for rice, contributing to hoarding and inflated prices.
Tourism and Traditions: Autumn has always been a draw for tourists in Kashmir. Popular destinations like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam come alive with activity. Traditional attire like the ‘Pheran’ and the renowned multi-course feast, the ‘Wazwan,’ are still cherished traditions. Autumn also marks the season of weddings in the region.
Winter Preparations: In anticipation of the harsh winter ahead, locals dry vegetables like brinjal, tomato, and pumpkin for storage. With fresh vegetable supplies dwindling due to heavy snowfall and roadblocks, this practice ensures a steady food source during lean winter months.
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Nature’s Delight: The season is also a delight for nature enthusiasts. Ducks and swans populate the landscape, their presence accompanied by the distinct clicking sound of Cycada bugs in the trees.
Celebrating Autumn: As Kashmiris make merry during this beautiful season, they embrace the rich traditions and natural beauty that autumn brings to their land, celebrating the bounty it offers before winter arrives.
Autumn in Kashmir is not just a season; it’s a celebration of nature’s gifts and a time-honored way of life.
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