Healing Gardens of Kashmir Valley have blossomed

Hundreds of people are roaming the gardens of Kashmir’s blossoming almonds and tulips, which some local mental health professionals have described as “therapeutic for the disgusting psyche”. The valley has been closed for the last 19 months for a long time.

Feroz Jaan, a resident of Gojwara, enjoyed the colors of a juicy almond blossom at Almond Wale in Srinagar, a popular almond elkow with his two children, as many other families were camping inside the garden for afternoon tea. “I lost my father to COVID-19 last year. It was a sad year when Kashmir remained tense for several months. This is my first outing since 5 August 2019 (when the Center abolished the special status of Jammu and Kashmir). I wanted my children to experience something soothing and good, ”said Mr. Jan, a government employee.

Caretakers of almond wear said that people are raising the garden for almond blossoms this time, long before its official opening on Saturday.

To celebrate the climax of the famous Kashmir spring, which sees a riot of colors in valley gardens and highlands with flowers of apricot and almond trees, tourism director GN Itu said a cultural show was planned on Saturday was.

Need a lot of relief

Psychiatrist of Sri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital, Dr. Arshad Hussain said that such outings and pleasing experiences were much needed.

“All the poor light through the winter months affects the outcome in human mood and mood disorders. Poor brightness of [winter] Daylight and its gray shades inspire depression and laziness. It is the season of spring and the colors that break this gray magic for the human mind, ”Dr. Hussain said.

A study by psychiatrists Sheikh Shoaib and SM Yasir Arafat titled ‘Mental Health in Kashmir: Struggles for Conflict’ explains how these two aspects complement each other to “exacerbate psychological problems”.

“The COVID-19 epidemic has put an additional burden on the mental health system of Kashmir. Changes in the situation in Jammu and Kashmir resulted in frequent curfews and lockdowns, which gave more trauma to Kashmir … Preventive measures such as social avoidance can lead to increased loneliness, especially for the elderly population who suffer mental health issues May give birth, ”the study warned.

According to the study, 45% of Kashmir’s adult population (or about 1.8 million people) suffer from some form of mental distress.

“Depression (41%), anxiety (26%), post-traumatic stress disorder (19%), and 47% have experienced some form of trauma. Retrospective studies on suicide reported a more than 250% increase in the number of suicide attempts between 1994 and 2012, ”the authors observed.

Medical experience

Dr. Hisian said family members were likely to provide “a temporary therapeutic period” to see spring flowers.

“The bright colors in the corridors and gardens of the valley affect people’s minds and inspire them for joyful activities, even romance. This sudden bright light infects hormonal and behavioral changes. Dr. Hussain said that the spring in Kashmir has always inspired people to start afresh.

For now, Badam Veer, which has been a favorite haunt for the locals, has been attracting families and couples since March 1958, during the rule of Bakshi Ghulam Muhammad.

Later this month, officials said they would organize a Tulip festival at Tulip Garden in Srinagar.

“To celebrate the blooming of tulips, the upcoming festival will be a mixture of various activities. The festival should have a unique opportunity to showcase the diverse culture and cuisines of Jammu and Kashmir.

He said popular local artists and Bollywood, including prominent music maestro, are expected to perform at the festival.