Pampore, October 2025:Every autumn, the saffron fields of Pampore, often called the “Saffron Town of India,” burst into a short-lived but breathtaking bloom, marking the beginning of a centuries-old harvest tradition in Kashmir. At the heart of this golden ritual lies saffron, one of the world’s most expensive spices, prized for its use as a flavouring, colouring agent, and for its medicinal properties.
The delicate crocus sativus flower, from which saffron threads are extracted, blooms for just two weeks each year, typically between late October and early November. During this narrow window, families across Pampore work from dawn to dusk, handpicking the fragile purple blossoms before they wilt. The stigma — three red strands inside each flower — is then carefully dried to produce the deep orange spice.
“It’s more than just a harvest. It’s a celebration,” says Bashir Ahmad, a third-generation saffron farmer in Pampore. “We work together as a community — grandparents, children, everyone — because we know how precious every thread is.”
For centuries, saffron has been woven into the culinary and cultural fabric of the region. It is used in traditional dishes like Kashmiri kahwa, biryani, and sweets, as well as in Ayurveda and Unani medicine for its supposed healing benefits. Beyond its value in food and health, saffron also represents heritage and pride for the farmers of Kashmir, who pass down this craft through generations.
The saffron harvest season has also become a draw for travellers, nature photographers, and cultural tourists, especially under the #IncredibleIndia campaign, which promotes agritourism and heritage experiences. The sight of vast saffron fields under a golden sunset, with families carefully plucking blooms, offers a glimpse into a lifestyle rooted in nature, patience, and tradition.
Despite its cultural richness, Kashmir’s saffron industry has faced challenges in recent years — from changing climate patterns to competition from inferior, adulterated saffron in the market. To safeguard authenticity, the government introduced GI (Geographical Indication) tagging for Kashmiri saffron, ensuring that genuine Pampore saffron retains its global identity and premium status.
As the harvest concludes each year, the air is thick with both the aroma of saffron and the sense of accomplishment. The fleeting nature of the bloom makes it all the more special — a two-week window when time stands still and Pampore glows in shades of purple and gold.
