Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, April 07, 2025 – Union Minister Kiren Rijiju began his day with a refreshing morning walk amidst the vibrant hues of the iconic Tulip Garden in Srinagar, joined by Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah. The picturesque setting of Asia’s largest tulip garden, nestled at the foothills of the Zabarwan Range overlooking Dal Lake, provided a stunning backdrop to a morning filled with natural beauty and meaningful conversations.
The Tulip Garden, which was officially opened to the public by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on March 26, 2025, has become a symbol of Kashmir’s timeless charm and a major draw for tourists during the spring season. Boasting over 1.7 million tulips across 74 varieties, the garden is in full bloom, offering a breathtaking display of colors that Rijiju described as “nature at its finest.” The visit comes just a day after the inauguration of the Lok Samvardhan Parv, a cultural festival organized by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, set to run from April 6 to April 13 at Kashmir University’s Convention Centre Ground.
Kiren Rijiju, accompanied by Omar Abdullah, took to the scenic pathways of the garden, engaging in discussions that he later described as “filled with warmth and vision.” The presence of Dr. Farooq Abdullah, a veteran leader and former Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, added a layer of significance to the occasion, highlighting the blend of political camaraderie and shared appreciation for the region’s natural splendour.
Kiren Rijiju shared his delight at the experience, stating, “A refreshing morning walk amid the vibrant hues of the Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, with Hon’ble CM Shri Omar Abdullah ji and also glad to meet Dr Farooq Abdullah sahab. Nature at its finest & conversations filled with warmth & vision, a truly special morning.” The post was accompanied by visuals capturing the trio against the vibrant floral landscape, underscoring the serene yet symbolic nature of the outing.
The Tulip Garden, originally established in 2007 under the leadership of then-Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, has grown into a key tourism asset for Jammu & Kashmir. This year’s bloom has already attracted thousands of visitors, with officials reporting 17,200 tourists on its inaugural day alone. Omar Abdullah, who has been vocal about promoting Kashmir’s tourism potential, emphasised the garden’s role in showcasing the region’s biodiversity and welcoming visitors to “Paradise on Earth.”
For Rijiju, the visit aligns with his Ministry’s efforts to spotlight India’s cultural diversity, as evidenced by the ongoing Lok Samvardhan Parv. The festival, inaugurated on April 6, celebrates the arts, crafts, and cuisines of minority communities, with Omar Abdullah and Union Minister of State George Kurian among the dignitaries present at its launch.
As the morning unfolded, the convergence of nature, politics, and culture painted a vivid picture of Srinagar in spring—a season of renewal and promise. With the Tulip Garden in full splendour and leaders like Omar Abdullah and Farooq Abdullah steering the region’s narrative, Jammu & Kashmir continues to captivate both visitors and policymakers alike.