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Srinagar's Tulip Garden Achieves Record Status as Asia's Largest
Srinagar's Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, also known as Siraj Bagh, has made its mark as Asia's biggest tulip garden, earning a place in the World Book of Records. Sprawling over 30 hectares at the foothills of the Zabarwan range, this stunning garden boasts a remarkable 1.5 million tulip bulbs of 62 different varieties, all planted this year.
The World Book of Records, a reputable organization based in London, specializing in cataloging and verifying world records, recognized this incredible feat of cultivating and displaying millions of blooming tulips. They awarded a certificate to the Department of Floriculture in Kashmir for this remarkable achievement.
The tulip garden was inaugurated on March 25 by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and will be open to visitors until April 30. Every year, thousands of tourists flock to the garden to witness the vibrant blooms and soak in the picturesque views of Dal Lake.
The idea for this beautiful tulip garden was conceived in 2006-07 by former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. Its purpose was to boost tourism in the valley. It was named after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who expressed her desire to see tulips during her visit to Kashmir in 1976. The garden opened to the public in 2008 and has since become a major attraction for domestic and international tourists alike.
Besides its breathtaking tulip displays, the garden hosts an annual Tulip Festival that not only showcases Kashmir's cultural and musical heritage but also offers a floral extravaganza. The festival features folk dances, musical performances, handicraft stalls, and local cuisine. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year, the festival was celebrated in a more subdued manner, adhering strictly to government-issued guidelines.
Notably, the tulip garden not only brings joy to visitors but also provides employment opportunities for many locals involved in its maintenance and management. Furthermore, it serves as a platform for floriculture research and development in the region.
The inclusion of Srinagar's Tulip Garden in the World Book of Records is a moment of immense pride for Jammu and Kashmir. It stands as a testament to the region's natural beauty and diversity and represents hope and harmony in a place that has witnessed decades of turmoil and violence.
Tourism plays a crucial role in the region's economy. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and government-imposed lockdowns, Srinagar remains a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty, historical sites, cultural diversity, and natural attractions. Some of the must-visit places in Srinagar include Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Shankaracharya Temple, Hazratbal Shrine, Jamia Masjid, and the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden.
The city also hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Tulip Festival, Shikara Festival, Saffron Festival, Snow Festival, and Kashmiri Food Festival, all of which showcase the rich heritage and cuisine of Kashmir and attract tourists from across India and abroad.
Tourism provides livelihoods for many people in Srinagar, including hoteliers, houseboat owners, shikara operators, guides, and handicraft sellers. It also contributes to the city's development and infrastructure.
The government of Jammu and Kashmir has taken several initiatives to promote tourism in Srinagar. These include developing smart city projects, launching online booking portals and mobile apps, offering incentives and subsidies to tourism stakeholders, organizing roadshows and exhibitions in various cities, and enhancing security measures for tourists.
Despite challenges, Srinagar's iconic Tulip Garden welcomed one lakh visitors, including 70% tourists, in its first week of opening on March 19, despite Ramadan and rainy weather. The government remains hopeful that these efforts will help revive tourism in Srinagar, making it a preferred destination for travelers in the post-pandemic era."
