by: Qysar Ul Islam Shah
Amid blossoming seasons hovering, an optimistic and prosperous scenario is being witnessed. The season embarks on a new journey for every living being. Blossom and fragrance captivates the heart once we look towards it.
The blossoming gardens depict an unblemished prosperity that further led to economic development. A dormant yet expected peach bud standing in the courtyard of my home appraised me that fresh fragrance had engulfed me. The fragrance season had kissed the thousand hearts and minds of living creatures that gave vent to their affectionate nature.
The season of blossom reflects that the monotony of chill winter is over and the production with prosperity is expected to yield. Apart from the blossoms, the crystal clear waters in rivers and streams forge the ways for farmers and agriculturists with the optimism of hefty production. With blossoming seasons around the meadows attain the greenery velvet carpets. The chirping of bulbul frequently visits the window reflecting the complete season’s arrival. Agriculturalists get started by checking their spades before venturing into the farmlands.
Among the blossoms in Kashmir, Badamwari (Almond) stands tall and mesmerizing located at the foothills of Kohi-Maraan mountain. The scintillating visual not only attracts tourists to boost our economy but is a pivotal factor in accelerating economic prosperity. The Almond blossoms herald the arrival of spring for the locals. Almond trees are among the first bloom in Kashmir valley offering a fragrant fragrance to the season. In Kashmir, a blossoming almond tree is meant to celebrate the New Year from the perspective of Kashmiri Pandits.
Apart from the mind-boggling contrast, blossoms have an economic perspective as well. The blooming and fragrance is used to rejuvenate the lives and remove dizziness. The other aspect of the almond blossom is to make malah(garland) then the Malah is stored in dried form, which later on is added in Kahwa to increase the taste. The other blossoms like Yamberzal (Narcissus) Handi-posh (Dandelion greens) nunner(Purslane) aubuj (rumex) and many more after winter give a cooling relief to the stomach and vanish all warmth.
Notwithstanding, some blossoms turned into fruits while others had medicinal value. Flowers have been used to stimulate one’s senses and improve memory as well as the ability to concentrate. They have been also used to help people with schizophrenia to improve their memory. Rose flowers can also be used as Gulkand (Khambeer) to treat inflammatory and chest infections.
Studies have also indicated that patients who are recovering from illness can get a healing boost from the presence of flowers. Most flowers are grown for medicinal purposes, flowers are also important in the pollination process which is crucial for the continued production of food. Although Tulip flowers have a meager life span, they attract countless tourists and boost the economy. Flowers not only add color, texture, and biodiversity to gardens and environments but also have tremendous economic value in the contemporary market. Flowers have multiple commercial uses. They can be used as essentials like oils for body care, creams and serums, etc. The food industry also uses them to extract flavors and organic food colorants. Some restaurants also use them to improve creative food fusion. So the beauties we usually find in the gardens and particular places harbingers the sense of prosperity for the generations to come.
Qysar Ul Islam Shah is a teacher by profession. He can be mailed at farhaanqysar@gmail.com
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