Mehran Bhat
Spring arrives in the valley, with bright sun and cool wind in the initial days of March. The weather and the bloom of flowers in the valley, make it one of the best seasons to visit Kashmir in. Temperature remains moderate with warm days and cooler evenings. The orchards full with colorful blossoms give a ray of hope to people as it finally brings end to the harsh winters.
With the arrival of spring in Kashmir valley, the scenic beauty attracts everyone for a stroll, to catch the glimpse of colorful blossoms of Almond, Cherry, Apricot and other plants that bloom to their full potential in this season.
With the onset of spring season, people in Kashmir become anxious as they fear uncertain shutdowns for months. The unfavorable conditions due to lockdowns have effected people mentally as well as emotionally. Kashmir witnessed back to back lockdowns due to COVID-19 pandemic along with the shutdown following abrogation of Article 370 and 35-A in August of 2019.
These shutdowns inflicted loss on everyone, whether it was students who faced an academic set back, common man, business class as well as people who are associated with the tourism industry.
While speaking with one of the local Shikara Wala (Dal dweller) on the bank of Dal lake he said, “Tourists are coming in good numbers this time but I wish nothing untoward happens this season.”
“I have a family which I have to feed and if there will be a shutdown again what will I feed them? People here are waiting for a season with no shutdowns, no bloodshed. We are waiting for peace,” he added.
A man standing near an empty Shikara on the bank of Dal lake. Photo by Mehran Bhat for The Kahsmiriyat.