The Town of Chinars

Bijbehara, known as the town of Chinars, rests quietly along the banks of the Jhelum, steeped in layers of spiritual, historical, and cultural heritage. Despite its immense potential across various domains—pilgrimage, sports, and heritage tourism—it remains curiously under-explored and underserved in the larger discourse on Kashmir’s development.

The need of the hour is to recognize Bijbehara not merely as a town of the past but as a vibrant node of inclusive progress rooted in a legacy of Kashmiriyat.

Where Kashmiriyat was born

Few towns in Kashmir embody the spirit of Kashmiriyat as deeply as Bijbehara. For centuries, this ancient town has nurtured a culture of syncretism, where religious diversity and mutual respect were not only tolerated but celebrated. It was here that the pluralistic soul of Kashmir took shape.

As early as Emperor Kanishka’s time, Bijbehara hosted a famed Buddhist Council, spreading the universal message of Ahimsa and compassion across Asia. The town was a centre of advanced learning, drawing scholars from across regions—underscoring its historical role as a crucible of knowledge and spiritual exchange.

The sacred geography of Bijbehara is dotted with the footprints of saints from various traditions: Laleshwari (Lal Ded), Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani (Nund Rishi), Baba Guru Nanak, and numerous other mystics and Awliya-i-Kamileen graced its soil. Their teachings, rooted in love, coexistence, and humanity, are as relevant today as they were centuries ago.

A cultural and political landmark

Bijbehara’s contribution to the political and intellectual landscape of Jammu and Kashmir is no less significant. It has witnessed the passage of empires and the evolution of ideologies. The Mughal prince and philosopher Dara Shikoh, known for his eclectic and inclusive worldview, had a special association with the town. A garden attributed to his presence still exists in Bijbehara—a living monument to an era when intellectual openness and spiritual pluralism thrived.

In modern times, the town has produced two Chief Ministers and many notable figures in governance, scholarship, and the arts. Yet, the infrastructural and institutional attention due to Bijbehara remains missing.

The sporting pulse of south Kashmir

Bijbehara is also a sports hub—particularly for cricket. Known as the Mecca of Cricket in South Kashmir, the town has become a vibrant host for inter-state, national, and regional tournaments. With expansive green fields and enthusiastic youth, the town has nurtured talent under the mentorship of international cricketer Parvez Rasool and national player Qayoom Bagaw.

However, logistical challenges persist. Due to the absence of adequate lodging facilities, players and teams are often forced to stay in Srinagar or Pahalgam. This not only hampers the spirit of sporting engagement but also causes economic opportunities to slip away from the local community.

A modest proposal

To begin addressing these gaps, two modest interventions could make a substantial difference.

First, an existing building adjacent to the cafeteria in front of Padshahi Bagh—with five rooms and two large halls—can be renovated to serve as accommodation for visiting sports teams. The halls could be converted into multipurpose marriage/community halls, ensuring sustainability through local revenue.

Second, a scenic but dilapidated rest house in the Dara Shikoh garden offers scope for expansion into a 20–40 room lodging facility, blending heritage conservation with modern utility. These developments would not only strengthen Bijbehara’s tourism and sports infrastructure but also provide livelihoods and civic pride to the local population.

Looking ahead

It is time for policymakers, planners, and civil society to extend due recognition to Bijbehara—not just as a town of historical importance but as a dynamic site of cultural, economic, and social renewal.

Let us honour its past by investing in its future. Let Bijbehara finally take its rightful place on Kashmir’s map—not as a forgotten footnote, but as a celebrated chapter in the region’s continuing story of resilience, pluralism, and progress.

Dr Bashir Ahmad Veeri, is a serving legislature & a columnist contributing occasionally.