The Spring locally called ‘Sounth’ transcends mere seasonality, embodying the essence of optimism, hope, and rebirth. It is a triumphant force, vanquishing winter’s bleak monotony, and ushering in a vibrant tapestry of life. The whirlwind of polychromatic hues bathes the mother earth in a kaleidoscope of vibrancy. With each bloom, it whispers promises of new beginnings, infusing hearts with joy, and souls with renewal.
Narcissus and pink almond blossoms dance across the valley, an exuberant medley of hues and scents, greet us at every moment. The gentle breezes of the spring carry healing secrets, their soothing balm calming troubled minds and mending bruised souls. Raindrops infuse the potion of life to half-dead and hibernating creatures, awaken slumbering hearts, breathing vitality into the dormant and still. The cuckoo’s sweet serenade and the hoopoe’s vibrant call ignite a spark of diligence, inspiring farmers and workers to toil with renewed passion and purpose.
Willow branches sway, their drooping delicate twigs and wickers begin to bow gently under the tender weight of burgeoning buds and lush green leaves. The walnut trees, adorned with velvety catkins, drape the landscape in emerald elegance, as if adept artisans have meticulously woven threads of green tinge into the intricate motifs.
Meadows and pastures come alive with dazzling hues, as the brushes of mother nature sweep across the canvas, painting the landscape in lush and jade splendor. Petals and fruits, nestled in tiny seeds and buds, yearn to unfurl and bloom, proclaiming divine love – a beauty that spills into your ears, ” He cherishes you more than seventy mothers’ tender care “. Labaik Ya Allah! Thy humble servant and slave is here, My Lord. I am overwhelmed with Thy Love and Mercy.
The spring sun eliminates the shadows of cursed clouds. Pleasantly warm rays of the sun caress and penetrate deeper into the snow-clad mountain peaks and majestic glaciers to feed the parched streams with the elixir of water to let them cascade abundantly after the scanty flow of the cruel winter.
The crystal clear gushing foamy aqua is revered to people as Zam Zam, Aabi Kouthar, Theertham, Gangajal and Adam’s ale. The season of flowers resuscitates the mother earth after the dormancy of the frosty winter. Misty vapours rising from the chilled earth, heralding divine reprieve – as if the intangible gentle touch of the mother nature banishes winter’s icy sting, restoring warmth and life to the frozen land. Caged lambs frolic free, hibernating cubs stretch awake, dormant tadpoles stir, and mute cuckoos burst into melody ; as if they are liberated from the bondage of the icy winter with the warmth of the spring.
The spring embellishes and festoons the Karewas, woods, orchards and farmlands of the valley with the clusters of morels and truffles. Guchhi, Kangetch and Shajkan entice thousands of valiants to go on a spring expeditions to hunt these precious delicacies of the nature. Undeterred by the weather, scores of women and children venture out to gather the prized mushrooms along with the wild greens – the tender dandelion shoots (Handd) and the knapweed (Kretchh).
The hills of Kashmir burst forth with the treasures of spring. Dozens of households tap into the harvest, establish their stalls of the sundried veggies and mushrooms in the streets of Srinagar and beyond – a vibrant testament to nature’s generosity. Fabbi Ayyi Aala-i-Rubbi kuma Tu-Kazibaan ( So which of the favours of your Lord would you deny ? ).
If cicada buzzes with hymns and warbles of the autumn, then the croak of frog is the anthem of the spring – A symphony announcing the divine renewal. The clumsy creatures apprise their dormant kinsfolk and others that God has refuelled the sun to illuminate the world with new energy, optimism and divine fervour. The songs of Cuckoo proclaim the arrival of the season of abundance and affluence. Cuckoo – The harbinger of prosperity and productivity goes shriller to apprise hard-workers to toil harder and faster. It trumpets loudly, ” Make hay while the sun shines “.
And the culmination of the season witnesses somewhat agonizing and appalling experiences. It crushes dozens of delicate petals mercilessly. Many buds wither away unborn, before they sprout. Vibrancy and exuberance fades away to monotony and death, and gives us a poignant reminder that joys of life are ephemeral and brief. ” Gallows of autumn ” is the stark reality of life. We should not get carried away by the fragrance of the spring flowers. Let us not lost our essence in the sweet haze of the spring. The autumn eliminates charms and beauties of the spring, then a cruel winter snatches the soul of the spring. So, we must be ready to face the unyielding truth of life.
The Author is a writer and a columnist from Bandipora, writing regularly on culture, environment, education, history, folklore and social issues. He can be reached at mushtaqhurra143@gmail.com
