Chrysanthemum Festival redefines Autumn Tourism: SKUAST-K

Srinagar, Oct 25: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) today said the Chrysanthemum Show has redefined the Autum tourism in Kashmir.

In a statement, SKUAST K said Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Division of Floriculture and Landscaping, SKUAST-K, have worked for the past three years to introduce and popularise Chrysanthemums as the “Colors of Autumn”, bridging the tourism gap that traditionally follows the spring tulip season.

“This year’s initiative saw the installation of over 3,500 chrysanthemum pots of diverse varieties, meticulously nurtured by the university’s scientists and students. Overnight, the business hub of Lal Chowk — long known for its political and commercial significance — was transformed into a European-style floral plaza. Commuters and shopkeepers woke up to an entirely new look: City centre bursting with colour, fragrance, and freshness,” it said.

The festivities continued with a grand floral show at Shalimar Garden on October 20, where thousands of visitors, tourists, and dignitaries admired the rich diversity of chrysanthemum blooms. Dr Nazir Ahmad Ganai said, “Our vision is to make flowers not just a symbol of beauty, but of livelihood, peace, and prosperity. Through these initiatives, we are turning Kashmir into a year-round floral destination — a place where science meets culture, and nature inspires harmony.

"With this initiative, SKUAST-K has once again demonstrated how agricultural science can extend beyond laboratories and farms to touch people’s lives, foster sustainable tourism, and project Kashmir as a region of peace, creativity, and cultural resurgence," the statement said.