Kashmir turns pale as Autumn sets in

SRINAGAR — As the crisp autumn breeze sweeps through the Valley, photographer Habib Naqash captures a series of breathtaking scenes, revealing the serene and nostalgic charm of autumn in Kashmir. His lens offers a glimpse into the timeless beauty that autumn brings to the city, where vibrant Chinar trees shed their crimson leaves, painting the landscape in hues of red, gold, and amber.

In one captivating photograph, an idle pedal boat rests on the still waters of Dal Lake, surrounded by floating Chinar leaves. The abandoned boat, awaiting the next season’s visitors, mirrors the stillness of autumn, while Chinar leaves, like gentle memories of summer, drift along the lake’s surface.

The banks of Dal Lake, lining Srinagar’s iconic Boulevard, transform into a golden pathway adorned with freshly fallen leaves. The scene is alive with colour, as the leaves, kissed by the sun, add a vibrant flicker to the lake’s edges. Naqash’s photograph captures this fleeting beauty, a reminder of nature’s artistry at play.

In another image, boys walk through the Nishat Garden, creating trails through layers of dry Chinar leaves. With each step, the leaves rustle and crunch beneath their feet, evoking the joys of childhood and the playful spirit that autumn often inspires.

As the Valley braces for winter, a woman is seen burning Chinar leaves to make charcoal. Her actions are a testament to the age-old tradition of preparing for Kashmir’s harsh winters, where charcoal remains a staple for warmth in many households. Naqash’s lens captures this blend of practicality and tradition, connecting past generations to the present.

In one final frame, a lone resident walks across a blanket of crispy Chinar leaves in Nishat Garden. Each step echoes the familiar sound of autumn as the leaves crackle underfoot. This image encapsulates the profound beauty and quietude that define Srinagar’s fall season.

Through his work, Habib Naqash presents not just the changing colours of a season but a tribute to the enduring spirit of Kashmir. His photographs serve as a reminder of the profound connection between the people and the natural beauty that surrounds them, capturing autumn as it gently takes hold of the Valley, turning it into a living painting of seasonal transition.

Habib Naqash is a photojournalist based in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Currently, hi is the Photo Editor at Daily Greater Kashmir.