In a captivating report by Berenice Debras, Le Figaro, the esteemed French newspaper, has portrayed the enchanting metamorphosis of Kashmir. The article, which unfolds the narrative of Srinagar as a ‘forgotten paradise,’ delicately unveils the region’s newfound allure, timidly welcoming foreign travelers after decades of conflict.
The scene is set at 5:30 in the morning on Dal Lake, where mist veils the breaking day, and a boat gracefully glides across tranquil waters, accompanied by a serene silence. The floating market springs to life as vegetable sellers engage in negotiations from one boat to another. This century-old tradition remains intact, with the aroma of traditional Kashmiri khawa wafting from a mobile samovar, providing an authentic experience.
Central to Le Figaro’s report is the charismatic figure known as Wonderful Flowerman, draped in a pink sweater and a multicolored shirt, embodying the essence of a Bollywood character. Negotiations for a bouquet at a ‘golden price’ lead to a unique condition — a visit to Wonderful Flowerman’s father’s floating gardens, where the plants are cultivated. The journey to an islet on Nigeen Lake offers a glimpse into the patriarch’s lament for the end of the season, alongside a view of his daughters’ papier-mache box painting in a rickety wooden cabin.
Highlighting the positive transformation within the Union Territory over the past four years, Jammu and Kashmir experienced an unprecedented surge in tourism in 2023, welcoming a record-breaking 2 crore tourists. This surge, the highest in 77 years, has resulted in increased employment opportunities and a thriving hotel industry. The region’s cinematic allure attracted over 100 film shoots in the last year alone, showcasing its captivating landscapes.
As the Le Figaro report concludes, it beautifully captures Jammu and Kashmir’s journey from a conflict-ridden past to a blossoming present. The once-forgotten paradise is portrayed as reclaiming its position on the world stage, signifying a renewed era of enchantment and allure.
