Just after the summer ends, Harud- the autumn season of Kashmir begins, in which the people of Kashmir find themselves completely immersed. For the native farmers of this region, Harud is not just a season; it’s a golden period of contentment and abundance. Harvesting is a universal concept, the culmination of a farmer’s tireless hard work. The satisfaction derived from reaping what was sown with sweat and toil is a reward like no other. However, in Kashmir, this feeling of contentment reaches extraordinary heights. Here, the season of harvesting, locally known as “Harud,” is celebrated with unparalleled fervour. One unique aspect of Harud in Kashmir is its timing. It arrives as a prelude to winter, a season of rest for most, including the farmers. The region’s inhabitants eagerly anticipate the respite from the intense summer heat in the upcoming three months of December, January, and February, which come just after culmination Harud. During Harud, which covers the period from ending week of September upto almost November, the temperatures remain optimal, creating the perfect atmosphere for both work and relaxation. In the rural areas of Kashmir, where agriculture, particularly paddy, apple farming and growing walnut reigns supreme, Harud takes on a special significance. Families come together to work in the apple orchards, paddy fiels and walnut orchards , making lunch a communal affair at the workplace. This practice harks back to generations, strengthening the bonds within families and passing down farming skills from parents to children. Kashmir’s autumn season, which spans from September to November, offers a visual spectacle like no other. The landscape is transformed as leaves turn golden and reddish, creating a mesmerizing panorama. The weather, with temperatures ranging from 9°C to 20°C, ushers in cool and gentle breezes, making it the ideal time for visitors to visit this picturesque region. Harud in Kashmir also brings with it the harvesting of the prized Kashmiri saffron, known for its unique flavour and colour. This fragrant spice has a wide range of applications, from food to pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, perfumery, and textile dyes. The saffron harvest season, from late October to mid-November, is a time of great significance for the local economy.
Harud in Kashmir is not just a season; it’s a celebration of nature’s bounty and the enduring spirit of its people. The beauty of this golden period, both in its landscapes and traditions, is something to behold and cherish. As the world transitions from summer to winter, Kashmir stands as a testament to the profound connection between the land, its people, and the seasons that shape their lives.
Rice cultivation is another vital aspect of Kashmir’s cultural heritage. All the districts of the Valley contribute to rice cultivation, which relies on 100% irrigated fields fed by melting snow at higher altitudes of Kashmir valley. This natural source of water is another blessing for the natives. The autumn season marks the paddy harvesting period, a meticulous process involving cutting, stacking, and threshing to separate the grains. The apple harvest, perhaps one of the most iconic features of Harud in Kashmir, is a sight to behold. Orchards across the region are laden with ripe, juicy apples. Families, friends, and farmworkers come together to pick the apples, creating a sense of togetherness and shared tradition. These apples, locally known as “Tschoont,” are renowned for their exceptional flavor and quality. Kashmir, alongside Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal, stands as a primary source of the nation’s apple output, because of its ideal climate for apple cultivation. Harud in Kashmir is not just a season; it’s a celebration of nature’s bounty and the enduring spirit of its people. The beauty of this golden period, both in its landscapes and traditions, is something to behold and cherish. As the world transitions from summer to winter, Kashmir stands as a testament to the profound connection between the land, its people, and the seasons that shape their lives.
(The author a school teacher by profession. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”.)
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