Society
Neglecting our own Green Paradise? Kashmir’s overlooked lawns
If there’s one asset that Kashmiris proudly own and love to flaunt, it’s a private lawn or a bagh, as we call it in Kashmiri.
These lush green spaces, a symbol of heritage and tranquility, are often meticulously maintained, with hours of care and attention spent on their upkeep.
The tall Cypress, or sarva kul, alongside outer walls is a hallmark of the plush lawns in Srinagar’s uptown.
Flower beds bursting with pretty yemberzal (daffodils), colorful tulips, the fragrant Koshur Golaab (Kashmiri rose), and the little pansies and poppies create a calming oasis, offering coolness for our weary eyes. Yet, ironically, they are also the most undermined and underused asset.
In urban cities around the world, people would give anything to have a green space to call their own.
Meanwhile, our expansive, beautiful gardens—crafted with such dedication month after month—often remain empty, enjoying little to no company from the very people who own them.
It’s a quiet paradox: a living space that doesn’t fully live up to its potential.
Why Do We Spend Less Time in Our Lawns? A Look at Changing Habits
The number one reason is the comfort of staying indoors. With the rise in air conditioner installations in Kashmir, achieving the perfect temperature has become as easy as pressing a button—whether it’s the peak of summer or the chill of winter.
In this climate-controlled world, there’s little motivation to step outside and leave the comfort zone.
Additionally, in an age where the world is literally at our fingertips, our desire to move our bodies and engage with the outside world is rapidly diminishing.
Need groceries? Order them online. Craving takeout? It’s just a tap away. Need to go shopping? A few clicks, and it’s done. Looking for entertainment? Netflix and chill. And let’s not forget COVID-19’s gift to humankind—Work From Home—which is a pandemic in itself and has further minimized our reasons to leave the house.
Even nature’s calming sounds, like ocean waves, raindrops, or birds chirping, can now be easily accessed through apps like Headspace or YouTube.
With everything we need available indoors, stepping outside seems like an unnecessary effort.
And sometimes, it’s not even a matter of choice. We find ourselves at the mercy of worklords and corporate giants for whom working round the clock is the norm.
In this culture, the concept of work-life balance becomes a mere afterthought, casually tipping the scale in favor of relentless productivity.
Whatever the case may be, a reminder of the countless benefits of green spaces could be just what you need to shake off that inertia and step out into your bagh.
The Benefits of Green Spaces
Ever wondered why we feel calmer when surrounded by the colors green and blue? It’s not just a coincidence—it’s because our brains are actually wired to respond positively to these natural elements.
The Biophilia Hypothesis suggests that humans have an inherent connection to nature, a bond shaped by evolution.
Our brains recognize natural environments as safe and restorative, which is why simply being in or viewing nature can lower anxiety and promote peace.
When you gaze into a vast blue sky and feel the soft sensation of green grass beneath your feet, it brings your overstimulated brain to a pause, compelling you to focus only on the present moment.
The natural sounds of birds chirping or autumn leaves rustling further soothe our minds, triggering a physiological response that activates the parasympathetic nervous system. This helps lower heart rates and reduce cortisol levels—the hormone linked to stress.
And let’s not forget the daily dose of Vitamin D that nature freely offers, far more beneficial than expensive, lab-synthesized supplements.
Overall, exposure to nature not only reduces stress but also boosts mood, lowers blood pressure, and enhances mental health.
Simply being in a natural environment, or even viewing images of green spaces, can trigger positive emotional responses, elevating our sense of well-being.
Our valley, blessed with nature’s finest offerings, attracts people from across the world who travel thousands of miles to experience its beauty.
Yet, the quiet luxury of nature that is right in front of us—available to us and our children—is often underutilized.
It’s time we stop viewing our lawns as ornamental luxuries and start embracing nature’s gift as an essential part of our well-being and happiness.
