A golden carpet Fiery red leaves Meadows mesmerize the eyes. One is transported into a world where everything glows and magic is in the air. Harud is the season which is the gateway to Magic in the land of Kashmir Valley, which is enchanting as well as makes us spellbound and speechless. It is like the layers of one’s life where transformation is essential. The abundance of greenery moving towards the magical world of red, orange, yellow and golden hues. A treat for the human eye where the beautiful landscapes ignite poetic thoughts for poets and where the brush of a painter works nonstop to capture all beauty.

Harud breathes life from September to November, giving its residents respite from warmer to cooler pleasant surroundings. The crisp cool air tingles the human with its presence and the twilight spreading its wings a bit earlier than before. Harud is one of the most beautiful seasons to witness in Kashmir with its Orchards full of Apples and the beauty of Chinar inspiring poets to write couplets for their beloved.

It’s not only a beautiful season, but Harud holds a cultural and economic significance for the people too. Harvesting apples, walnuts and picking saffron with the utmost care are some of the activities that families look forward to. People start preparing for the harsh approaching winters. The economic independence which comes with the sales during these months adds importance to the people in the valley. Not only does the residence prosper towards self-sufficiency, but fruits like apples and walnuts and strands of saffron add a touch of royalty and aroma to local cuisine.

The leaves bidding farewell to its branches and the fog moving around, shielding the pain of the fallen leaves from the word. Harud is a symbol of change, a reflection of leaving the past behind and moving towards the future. The sprawling chinar changing its shades and the leaves covering the ground with a carpet of red and golden is a mesmerizing sight to the eyes. Not only humans, but even birds and animals adapt to the changes. Migration towards their second home reflecting transformation around them.

For tourists, Harud is like a big fair. Visitors flock to the valley when nature opens its arms, shining with its colors. The breathtaking beauty and amalgamation of assorted colors leaves the tourist speechless. One can see many non-locals rushing towards the Golden chinar and hues of red to click themselves adorned with the beauty in the background. These photographs are treasures of the memories which are captured infinitely within their hearts and souls.

One can try different delicacies. The freshly harvested apples and walnuts add freshness to the dishes and the taste remains in one’s mind forever. Wazwan with different dishes like Rogan Josh, Gushtaba and Yakini is like having a feast in heaven for every foodie. Local chutney and achar must seek after dishes in local markets for tourists. Local bazzar and mandis are buzzed with activity, with traders selling their freshly plucked fruits and dry fruits, which are like a Friday sale for non-locals visiting the valley, a bargain steal of fresh high-quality products.

For locals, Harud is a season for preparing for the harsh winters ahead. Mending homes for damage, checking leaking roofs, gathering firewood and stocking winter essentials are everyday rituals for them. Men work hand in hand together with their neighbors, toiling hard to stockpile everything they need.

Women can be seen knitting woolen clothing, scarfs and sweaters, often sitting in groups singing local songs. The season brings together weaving threads of community living and sharing. Laughter and giggles can be heard. Elderly sitting and imparting knowledge by sharing stories with the younger ones is a remarkable sight.

Harud is not just a season in Kashmir, it is a part of Kashmiri life, their culture, their existence. From apple harvesting to saffron picking and community work, every aspect of this season is intertwined with each other. Preparation for winter by knitting for loved ones. Everything is thought of during this period. Nature and tradition go hand in hand. The season not only makes the community economically sufficient but it also enriches the soul of every living being. Harud is a season of introspection, of acceptance, of resilience and of moving forward. It is not just a time to admire the surrounding beauty but it is a time to celebrate every moment in life. The changing of color, its transformation from green to red to orange reminds us that change is a part of life, it is inevitable, but at the same time, it is also beautiful. The moments after the changes nurture us towards something more prospering and beautiful. We are like that caterpillar that transforms into a beautiful butterfly. We humans are also evolving.