Amid blossoming seasons hovering upon, an optimistic and prosperous scenario is being witnessed. The season embarks the new journey for every living being. Blossom and fragrance captivates the heart once we look towards it.

The blossoming gardens depicts as an unblemishing prosperity that further led to economic development. A dormant yet an expected peach bud standing in the courtyard of my home apprised me that fresh fragrance has engulfed. The season of fragrance had kissed the thousand hearts and minds of living creatures that gave the vent to their affectionate nature.

The season of blossom reflects that the monotony of chill winter is over and the production with prosperity is expected to yield. Apart from the blossoms the crystal clear waters in rivers and streams forge the ways for farmers and agriculturists with the optimism of hefty production. With blossoming seasons around the meadows attain the greenery velvet carpets. Chirping of bulbul frequently visits on the window reflects complete seasons arrival. Agriculturalists get started by checking their spades before venturing into the farmlands.

Among the blossoms in Kashmir, Badamwari (Almond) stands tall and mesmerizing located at the foothills of Kohi-Maraan Mountain. The scintillating visual not only attracts tourists to boost our economy but a pivotal factor in accelerating the economic prosperity. The almond blossoms herald the arrival of spring for the locals. Almond trees are among the first bloom in Kashmir valley offering fragrant fragrance to the season. In kashmir blossoming almond tree is meant to celebrate the New Year in perspective of Kashmiri Pandiths.

Apart from the mind-boggling contrast, blossoms have an economic perspective as well. The blooming and fragrance is used to rejuvenate the lives and removal of dizziness. The other aspect of the almond blossom is make malah (garland) then the malah is stored in dried from, which later on is added in Kahwa to increase the taste. The other blossoms like Yamberzal (Narcissus) Handi-posh (Dandelion greens) nunnery (Purslane) aubuj (rumex) and many more after winter give a cooling relief to stomach and vanishes all warmth.

Notwithstanding, some blossoms turned into fruits while others having medicinal value. Flowers have been used to stimulate ones senses and improve the memory as well as ability to concentrate. They have been also used to help people with schizophrenia to improve their memory. Rose flowers can also be used as gulkand (khambeer) to treat inflammatory and chest infections.

Studies have also indicated that the patients who are recovering from illness can get a healing boost from the presence of flowers. Most of flowers are grown for the medicinal purposes, flowers are also important in the pollination process which is crucial for the continued production of food. Tulip flowers, though it has meager life span attracts countless tourists and results in boosting the economy. Flowers not only add color, texture and biodiversity to gardens and environments but also having tremendous economic value in the contemporary market.

Flowers also have multiple commercial uses. They can be used as essentials like oils for body care, creams and serums etc. The food industry also uses them to extract flavours and organic food colorants. Some restaurants also use them to improve creative food fusion. So the beauties we usually find in the gardens and particular places harbinger the sense of prosperity for the generations to come.

(Author is teacher by profession, and columnist. Feedback: farhaanqysar@gmail.com)