Srinagar, October 10, 2025 – As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the crisp embrace of autumn in the Kashmir Valley, a new floral spectacle is set to captivate visitors and locals alike. The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology is gearing up to host the inaugural Chrysanthemum Festival at its picturesque Bagh-i-Guli Dawood garden on the Shalimar campus, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in a sea of blooming #Chrysanthemum wonders.Starting from October 16, the festival – themed “From Gul-e-Lala to Gul-e-Dawood” – promises a kaleidoscope of colours with over 80,000 plants showcasing more than 60 exquisite varieties of chrysanthemums, locally revered as Gul Dawood. These resilient blooms, which flourish from mid-September through late November, are poised to transform the university’s experimental garden into a living canvas of autumnal splendour. With each plant capable of producing hundreds of flowers, experts anticipate nearly three million vibrant petals unfurling across the landscape, creating an unforgettable backdrop against the Valley’s golden foliage.”This #Chrysanthemum Festival is more than just a display of nature’s artistry; it’s a celebration of Kashmir’s enduring charm and a strategic step toward year-round tourism,” said Prof. Nazir A. Ganie, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir. “Inspired by the resounding success of our spring Tulip Garden, Bagh-i-Guli Dawood aims to extend the tourist season into the cooler months, drawing families, adventure seekers, and nature enthusiasts to experience the Valley’s hidden floral treasures.”
The event is designed to be inclusive, offering tailored experiences for diverse audiences. Tourists can wander through themed pathways lined with cascading chrysanthemum arches, participate in guided horticulture workshops, and capture Instagram-worthy moments at interactive floral installations. For locals and senior citizens, free entry sessions include storytelling circles on Kashmiri folklore intertwined with the symbolism of Gul Dawood – a flower that represents joy and longevity in local culture. Children, meanwhile, will delight in hands-on activities such as flower-potting crafts and a dedicated “Little Bloomers” zone featuring educational games on sustainable gardening.In a nod to broader initiatives, SKUAST-Kashmir is collaborating with the Jammu and Kashmir Floriculture Department to replicate this model on a grander scale. Plans are underway for a dedicated Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood theme park spanning 100 kanal near the iconic Tulip Garden in Srinagar’s Botanical Garden, with the Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo recently applauding the project’s potential to rival global autumn destinations. “Chrysanthemums offer a sustainable, low-water bloom that can illuminate Kashmir’s off-season, boosting local economies through agro-tourism,” noted Sheikh Fayaz, Commissioner Secretary of Floriculture, Gardens & Parks.As preparations intensify, the festival also highlights SKUAST’s cutting-edge contributions to floriculture, including IoT-driven greenhouses that optimize growth conditions for these East Asian-origin blooms – Japan’s national flower, now adapting beautifully to Kashmiri soil. Visitors are encouraged to “Let’s grow Kashmir’s charm,” echoing the event’s call to action for community-driven conservation.The Chrysanthemum Festival at Bagh-i-Guli Dawood runs through late November, weather permitting. Entry is free for children under 12 and seniors above 60, with nominal fees for others supporting ongoing research. For more details, visit SKUAST-Kashmir’s official website or follow #KashmirBlooms on social media.In an era where seasonal tourism faces climate uncertainties, this blooming celebration underscores Kashmir’s resilience – turning the quiet poetry of autumn into a symphony of colors that lingers long after the petals fall.
