AUTUMN HUES
Hazrat Ameer-e-Kabir, Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani (RA) is credited with introducing many admirable things for which Kashmir is so famous. He got over here with his Sadat (descendents) who visited various parts of the Valley, spreading Islam and influencing the culture of the region. One among such incredible gifts is the native tree of Kashmir, Chinar, locally referred to as Boo’en (also spelled Bouen), a broken down word of Sanskrit ‘Bhawani’, the Goddess who has been worshipped (by many and revered by all) in Kashmir since long. Being an integral part of our cultural heritage and identity, Boo’en is believed to have been first planted here by Syed Qasim Shah Hamadani (RA), a companion of Shah-e-Hamadan Sahib (RA).
Boo’en in autumn (Harud) attracts tourists to flock Kashmir valley painted in red. Mughal gardens get totally transformed into a vibrant haven of crimson red, offering comfort to the nature lovers. Draped in red hues, Boo’en looks as if it is immersed in various layers of colors. It remains at its most attractive stage with crimson red colored foliage on its branches, also scattered on the ground producing rustling sound blessing the whole ambiance with a majestic look. During this season, it looks mesmerizing and has a great appeal for every one of us because it turns reddish as if it is on fire.
While in hot summer, people take rest under the cool shade of the large deciduous tree; in autumn, they love to mingle themselves in its reddish leafage that creates a magical golden aura. A symbol of splendor and resilience, Boo’en offers a charming look especially in Naseem Bagh and on Dal Lake and Jhelum banks in Srinagar.
In Srinagar city Boo’en wears a dazzling look. Tourists gather under it with locals and click their snaps to be cherished as a memory. They love to trample on the crunchy dried leaves to hear the muffled crackling sound. Sometimes, they join locals to enjoy bonfires, not for warmth but to take back Kashmir’s memories.
However, the beauty of Boo’en in Srinagar is beyond the Mughal gardens. It also looks pretty on the captivating Dal and Jhelum banks. Last time, what left me utterly awestruck while driving from Nageen lake side towards LD hospital via Zero Bridge was the enchanting autumn grandeur of iconic Chinars reflecting our heritage? The visual odyssey had so fascinating an impact on me that I had no option but to stop awhile outside SPS museum.
Literally, no sooner I strolled out than I was totally taken aback into the autumn charm of the fiery surroundings. Because just across the river Jhelum was the mighty Boo’en, donning with the golden crown behind the eye-catchy Masjid-e-Bilal. The crispy crimson leaves fallen on the tiled paths along the road appeared to me like a red carpet been spread under the resplendent canopy of my culture, resonating the tales of modern trials.
Known for its antiquity, magnificence, longevity and royal touch, Boo’en in rural Kashmir is equally surreal and beautiful. Here, people especially women sweep the scattered leaves of it for fuel or charcoal for their Kangris. However, besides this purpose, people in villages also use (though least followed) the bark of Boo’en to attain anti-rheumatic and antiscorbutic values, believing that bark boiled in vinegar is a great remedy for dysentery and diarrhea.
But how sad! From last some years, Boo’en in Kashmir met a terrible fate. Its number has declined. The percentage of it, looped is more than planted. The official data shows that until Dec 2023, out of 75 Chinars, a staggering 58 were axed in Pulwama district alone. Status-quo is by & large similar elsewhere too. Experts have already voiced their concern that in two decades Kashmir would be without such glorious trees if strict measures are not taken.
The blazing foliage of Boo’en is pleasant throughout Kashmir. It is totally hard to take one’s eyes away and go without admiring the fiery reddish tinge that stays probably for a week’s time or so, and soon after, the tree becomes barren. Nevertheless, the true essence lies with the on-lookers who are laden with their own load of feelings about its glory.
Protecting Boo’en is preserving Kashmir’s identity. So, let’s pledge to protect this precious souvenir of Hazrat Ameer-e-Kabir (RA) for future generations as well. Saved means heritage retained.
(Author is a regular contributor, educator and can be reached at: [email protected]
