SRINAGAR: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has once again brought innovation and life to the Valley’s cultural and tourism landscape — this time through a spectacular Chrysanthemum Show that turned the historic Lal Chowk into a vibrant, flower-decked plaza.
Under the leadership of Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Division of Floriculture and Landscaping SKUAST-K has worked for the past three years to introduce and popularize 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 color, fragrance, and freshness.
The inaugural ceremony held on October 18 was graced by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Anshul Garg (IAS) and Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Haseeb who lauded SKUAST-K’s efforts for blending science, art, and civic aesthetics. The initiative, they noted, not only beautifies the city but also demonstrates how universities can play a transformative role in public amenities, environment, and tourism-based economy.
As part of the celebrations, SKUAST-K organized a musical evening that drew large crowds and created an atmosphere of joy, optimism, and community spirit.
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.
The event culminated in a heartwarming Diwali celebration at Lal Chowk, where SKUAST-K students lit hundreds of diyas, symbolizing peace, harmony, and a new dawn for Kashmir. The spontaneous participation of citizens made the square come alive with light, laughter, and music — a true reflection of Kashmir’s return to peace and progress.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor 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.
The event was widely appreciated by dignitaries, including Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture, Shri Javeed Dar, who praised SKUAST-K’s commitment to innovation, aesthetics, and community outreach.
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 credit goes to the full team of faculty and students Division of Floriculture and Landscaping lead by Dr I T Nazki, whose hard work has seen the highlight of the autumn tourism. This Division is also working on production of the tulip bulbs locally in Kashmir. This shall circumvent the need for importation of the bulbs from Netherlands, and shall make our Tulip garden sustainable.
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir is a leading State Agricultural University recognized nationally for its excellence in research, innovation, and outreach.
The university’s initiatives in climate-resilient agriculture, agribusiness incubation, and community-based innovation have placed it among India’s top three State Agricultural Universities in NIRF 2025.
From Guli Lala to Guli Dawood: SKUAST-K’s Chrysanthemum Festival redefines autumn tourism
