In Frames | Chinars work the autumn magic

Tourists to Kashmir can bask in the glowing yellows, oranges and reds that envelop the landscape during the season

Autumn in Kashmir from mid-September till the end of November is a riot of the warmest colours that envelope the whole landscape before the silent white of winter takes over. The autumnal colours bestow a magical look to the Valley.

The tree that is at the core of the colour extravaganza in the Valley is locally known as Harud (Chinar in Hindi and Bouen in Kashmiri). Platanus orientalis has been a part of Kashmir’s landscape for several centuries now, going back to the Mughal era.

True to its name Chinar, which in Persian means flame, fire or a blaze, the tree drapes itself in colours from green to gold, to reddish orange, before the leaves cascade to the ground in late autumn, bequeathing a carpet of golden-brown to gardens, footpaths and streets across the Kashmir Valley.

Additionally, the distinct yellow of poplar trees planted almost everywhere in Kashmir soothes the souls of the local community and visitors. A large number of tourists visit in October just to witness the Valley wearing this mellow sheen.

The fallen leaves are sometimes burnt to make coal, which is used in traditional kangris (fire pots) that keep people warm in the bone-numbing winter.