Omkar Dattatray
The leaves of Chinar trees in Kashmir during autumn season turn into yellow ,red and fall from the trees and also turn earth below yellow and red .It is a sight worth seeing and beautiful and tourists and the local kashmiris take great pleasure in observing the chinar tree and the land beneath it turns yellow and is a good sight to see .For centuries the Chinar tree has attracted and inspired Kashmiri poets .See the Chinar garden at Dak Lake in Srinagar ,children are seen playing cricket on fallen Chinar leaves .In the same garden some people are seen collecting fallen yellow leaves of chinar trees and burning these to get charcoal for winter which is used in Kangri-the firepot during for warming purpose .The tourists in large numbers visit Kashmir during the autumn season as the climate is neither so cool ,nor so hot and the leaves of Chinar trees turn yellow and fall from the tree to cover the land beneath into yellow and golden color and it is a sight worth seeing .Tourists are busy in taking selfies to post these on social media .It is in October and November that ,the Chinar gardens are visited by large number of visitors and tourists as Chinar tree changes colors from green to blood-red ,mauve ,amber and yellow in two autumn months of October and November .Che Nar means what fire is a Persian name and Chinar trees are believed to be native of Persia .It is said that Mugual ruler Jahangir during his rule that is (1605 -1627) brought the these from Persia and got them planted on large numbers across Kashmir .However some say that the Chinar tree existed in valley before the Mugals .Kashmir has Chinar gardens in Srinagar ,Anantnag and Ganderbal which are frequented by the tourists more in autumn season .Moreover the Chinar trees are found across Kashmir valley from cities to villages .The Chinar trees provide its shade during summers and one finds calm ,peace and cool breeze under the Chinar trees .The Chinar tree -Platanus Orientalis is a species of plane tree native of the eastern Mediterranean region and western Asia .It is a deciduous tree that grows up to 50 metre-160 foot tall and has a wide ,spreading canopy .They are also long lived ,with some specimens living for over 200 years .The bark of the Chinar tree is smooth and pale grey .It is known for its large ,bright green leaves and stunning autumn color ,with leaves turning shades of orange ,yellow ,and red in the fall .The tree produces clusters of small ,greenish flowers that give way to round ,green fruit that turns brown when ripe .Chinar trees are known for their resistance to draught and extreme temperatures and are often planted as ornamental trees in gardens and parks .They are also used as shade trees along streets and other public places .In some parts of the world, the Chinar tree is considered a symbol of peace and prosperity. .Chinar trees are popular ornamental plants often used in landscaping and public parks .There are several varieties of the Chinar tree ,including Morton circle .This variety is known for its large ,rounded canopy and is popular in urban landscapes .Blood good -this variety has dark red leaves and is prized for its ornamental value .Emerald Queen—This variety is known for its fast growth rate and deep green foliage .Liberty-This variety is known for its resistance to pests and diseases and is often used in commercial landscaping .Majestic Beauty-This variety has a paramedical shape and is known for its large size and attractive foliage. Autumn Chinar-The leaves of the Chinar tree ,with deep green shade in summer ,turn to vivid orange and red during autumn .The Autumn chinar makes for a breathtaking sight in Kashmir during the autumn season .The other varieties are Kashmiri icon-The Chinar tree has great has great significance in Kashmiri culture and represents Kashmir’s natural heritage .The tree is often depicted in different forms of art ,poetry ,and literature .Besides its natural beauty ,the Chinar tree also provides shade to locals .The changing colors of the Chinar leaves marks the arrival of the autumn /fall season ,which is known as Harud in Kashmir .Some other varieties are Iconic foliage ,Giant canopy ,and Regal beauty .The Chinar tree ,also known as Chinese Banyan or Platanus orientalis ,is deciduous .It is known for its distinctive ,fan -shaped leaves and beautiful ,exfoliating bark .Chinar trees are valuable and beneficial to any landscape or community ,providing various environmental ,aesthetic ,cultural ,and medicinal benefits .It is known for its distinctive ,large ,umbrella -shaped canopy and deeply furrowed bark .Planting Chinar trees have several benefits to people .It has environmental benefit ,aesthetic value ,Historical and cultural significance ,and has Medicinal properties. The Chinar trees also provide a habitat for various wildlife ,including birds and small mammals .The Chinar tree is not considered toxic to humans or animals .It is generally safe to plant and handle ,and there are no known adverse effects associated with its use .The leaves of the Chinar tree ,with deep green shade in summer ,turn to vivid orange and red during autumn .The Autumn Chinar makes for a breathtaking sight in Kashmir during autumn season .It is towards the end of autumn in November ,the Chinar trees change their color from green through crimson to yellow .Children run around excitedly ,trampling leaves and playing cricket under the shade of the mighty Chinar trees which goes vibrant with colors of red ,golden yellow and combinations of both in this season .In brief the Chinar trees in autumn season change color of its leaves from green to yellow golden and red and its sight is very pleasant to the eye and attracts large number of tourists and other people.
(The author is a columnist, social and KP activist).
