In Kashmir, spring throws up many surprises. The almond flowers bloom in the almond orchards of the valley herald the arrival of spring in Kashmir.
The almond blossom heralds the arrival of spring in Kashmir. These buds bloom in early March and last for about two weeks. However, this year there was a delay in the blooming of the almond trees, according to the farmers, owing to the cold temperature in the valley.
Farmers said that the blooming was delayed due to the cold weather conditions in the valley. The almond blossom has also sparked the hope of a plentiful almond crop this year.
A farmer Nazir Ahmed said due to cold weather conditions this year, the almond trees bloomed late.
“The administration has to work seriously to further promote the almond industry.
He said almond trees are being felled here, which is causing the industry to decline.
Srinagar's old cultural and heritage trove, the Badamvaer or the almond park attracts lots of visitors during the almond bloom.
The creamy petals shining against the blue sky and the 18th century imposing Afghan fort, the flowery sidewalks, walking spaces and creative stonework make spring grand and beautiful in Kashmir.
These are the first flowers to bloom in a season and Badamvaer garden located at the foothills of Kohi-Maraan mountain has more than 1000 almond trees.
"When I used to come here with my parents, we would pour from the samovars and eat fruits, crushing them with stones (sangade) . We would enjoy music, sufiana and charki (folk theatre) and people would wrestle here. It was the beginning of the spring," said a local resident, Javed Ahmed.
It's a major picnic attraction, the 35 acre park is attracting families and children.
Spread over 300 kanals of land, Badamvaer, which has been at the centre of local folklore, presents a surreal experience during spring.
Badamvaer, which is dotted with trees, flowers, and cascades provides a soothing experience to the visitors.
For centuries the Badamvaer was the first to reverberate with life with the onset of the spring season in Jammu and Kashmir. Till 1970, the people of Srinagar would assemble there to announce the arrival of the spring season – after braving the vagaries of a harsh winter – with music and mirth.
Thousands of people are directly and indirectly associated with the almond industry in Kashmir. Pulwama district is the leading producer of almonds.