With the temperature rising to an intense 33°C in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, people are taking peace in the gentle arms of Sonamarg, or “Meadow of Gold,” which has become a favorite for families, young people, school children all of whom are trying to escape the misery of the heat.
Sonamarg has green meadows, white snow caps and the beautiful Sindh water body, but more than a beautiful landscape, its a relief during these final days of summer temperatures.
To see families camping along the banks of the river, young adults laughing and dipping there feet into the frigid water, groups gathered around bonfires under a star-filled sky, is a picture of happiness and refreshing experience.
However, this migration of people to Sonamarg is not just an escape, it represents a deep appreciation for the natural beauty and tenacity of Kashmir. The economic implications from increased tourism to Sonamarg translates into more supports to local economies from guiding services to pony walas and other humble vendors offering refreshments, because they too are economic agents at ground zero.
With temperatures soaring higher and higher, it becomes impossible to ignore climate change continues to enable detrimental conditions, only to be reversed by communities where adaptation is critical and comfort in nature.
Sonamarg serves as a testimony to the ageless beauty of Kashmir, and the ability for simple and pleasant matters to bring people together.
As day temperatures continue to rise, and the sun shines brighter, let us relish the purity of this charming Heaven called Sonamarg and the ease it has provided us.
Whether it be wading in the cool streams, or sleeping outside under the sky, the meadows still reign supreme, the coolest sanctuary of Kashmir, providing coolness to not just Mother Nature but the soul!
May we maintain and protect this space so that it can be a restorative place for many generations to come!
