Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood: A Chrysanthemum Wonderland in the Heart of Srinagar
Every autumn, as the crisp chill of Kashmir’s fall air settles over the valley, a burst of color awakens in the heart of Srinagar — the Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood, or the Garden of Chrysanthemums. Nestled within the scenic expanse of the Floriculture Department Gardens at Chesmashahi or sometimes hosted at Emporium Garden, this floral festival transforms the landscape into a mesmerizing sea of blooms, celebrating nature’s artistry and the valley’s rich horticultural heritage.
A Festival of Flowers and Fragrance
The Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood (literally “Garden of the Flower of David” or “Chrysanthemum Garden”) is more than a visual delight — it’s a seasonal spectacle that has become an anticipated event in Kashmir’s cultural calendar. The garden comes alive with thousands of chrysanthemum varieties, from classic whites and yellows to vibrant pinks, purples, reds, and oranges. Each bloom stands as a symbol of resilience and beauty, mirroring the spirit of the Kashmiri people and their deep connection to the land.
A Celebration of Kashmir’s Floriculture Heritage
The festival is organized by the Department of Floriculture, Gardens, and Parks, Jammu and Kashmir, to showcase the region’s thriving floriculture sector. With Kashmir’s naturally rich soil and ideal climate, flower cultivation has long been part of its agricultural identity. The exhibition not only displays the aesthetic diversity of chrysanthemums but also highlights the advances in floricultural innovation, nursery development, and ornamental horticulture taking place across the Union Territory.
Gardeners, horticulture enthusiasts, students, and tourists alike gather to witness creative floral arrangements, bonsai displays, and potted plant competitions. The event also serves as a platform for local growers and entrepreneurs to promote eco-friendly gardening practices and floral-based products.
A Photographer’s Paradise
For photographers and travelers, Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood is nothing short of a dreamscape. Rows upon rows of meticulously arranged flowers create a living mosaic of color and symmetry, with the Zabarwan mountain range forming a majestic backdrop. The crisp autumn sunlight filtering through the petals adds a golden glow, turning every snapshot into a postcard-perfect memory.
An Eco-Tourism Attraction
In recent years, the festival has become an integral part of Srinagar’s eco-tourism circuit. Visitors from across India and abroad plan their trips around this event to witness the valley in its floral glory. The government’s emphasis on sustainable tourism ensures that such events promote not only beauty and recreation but also environmental awareness and local livelihoods.
Symbolism and Serenity
The chrysanthemum, known for its longevity and grace, carries deep symbolism in cultures around the world. In the context of Kashmir, where every season tells a story, the blooming of chrysanthemums in late autumn signifies hope, endurance, and the quiet promise of renewal. Amidst the fading greens of summer and the approach of winter, these blossoms remind visitors that beauty can thrive even in the most fleeting of moments.
The Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood stands as a tribute to Kashmir’s floral soul — a delicate blend of tradition, nature, and artistry. For locals, it’s a proud reflection of their horticultural talent; for visitors, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience of color and serenity. As you stroll through the garden paths, surrounded by a thousand shades of bloom and the crisp whisper of mountain winds, you realize that this is more than a flower show — it’s Kashmir itself in full, fragrant bloom.
