By Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat
Come, wander to the land of eternal grace,
Where mountains whisper and rivers embrace.
Kashmir, a paradise on earth it’s called,
A realm of beauty where hearts are enthralled.
The valley adorned with chinars so tall,
In every season, its wonders enthral.
The snowy peaks and meadows green,
Nature’s artistry in every scene.
Its culture, a mosaic, so rich, so vast,
Stories of resilience from the echoes of the past.
A blend of traditions, of Sufi’s song,
A legacy of harmony, where all belong.
The Wazwan feast, a culinary art,
A celebration of taste, crafted with heart.
Kahwa’s aroma, saffron’s golden hue,
Each sip and bite connects you anew.
The Pherans they wear, the Kangri’s warm glow,
Reflecting a lifestyle from the peaks of snow.
Crafts that speak of a people’s pride,
Shawls and carpets that the world has eyed.
Explore the shrines that whisper peace,
Where faith and love eternally increase.
Hazratbal, Amarnath, and Shankaracharya Hill,
Echo with prayers, serene and still.
But beyond the beauty, a story unfolds,
Of people whose spirit is worth more than gold.
Resilient hearts, with hope in their eyes,
Living through struggles, yet aiming for skies.
Come, learn the truth that the valley holds,
Its untold stories, its secrets bold.
Not through hearsay, but steps you take,
Through bonds you form and memories you make.
For diversity here is a lesson profound,
A melody of unity in every sound.
The voices of Kashmir, the laughter, the pain,
Each one a thread in humanity’s chain.
Dr. Bhat calls to those near and far,
From bustling cities to lands afar.
He invites you to see with your own eyes,
The beauty of Kashmir, where wisdom lies.
Let the valley teach you, let the culture unfold,
Let the tales of its people be softly told.
For only in exploring, can truth be revealed,
And the essence of Kashmir fully unsealed.
So come, explorers, dreamers, and kind,
Leave all prejudices far behind.
Discover Kashmir, its essence so pure,
A journey of the soul, an experience to endure.
For the valley of Kashmir is calling today,
To embrace its beauty in every way.
Through culture, diversity, and truths untold,
The heart of Kashmir waits to unfold.