Kiren Rijiju and Omar Abdullah Stroll Through Kashmir’s Tulip Garden, Celebrate Cultural Diversity

Srinagar — In a refreshing moment of camaraderie and appreciation for nature, Union Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shared a peaceful morning walk through Srinagar’s iconic Tulip Garden on Monday. Their visit coincided with the garden’s full bloom, offering a stunning backdrop of vibrant tulips set against the scenic Zabarwan Hills and Dal Lake.

Rijiju later shared his experience on social media, posting, “A refreshing morning walk amid the vibrant hues of the Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, with Hon’ble CM Shri @OmarAbdullah ji and also glad to meet Dr Farooq Abdullah sahab.” He described the experience as “nature at its finest and conversations filled with warmth and vision.”

The Tulip Garden, Asia’s largest, spans nearly 30 hectares and was established in 2007 to boost floriculture and tourism in the Kashmir Valley. Its annual Tulip Festival attracts thousands of tourists from across India and abroad, eager to witness its colorful bloom.

In addition to the garden visit, Rijiju and Abdullah inaugurated the Lok Samvardhan Parv, a cultural event celebrating Jammu and Kashmir’s rich artistic and culinary heritage. The festival serves as a platform for artisans and chefs from minority communities to showcase their crafts and traditional dishes.

Addressing the gathering, Omar Abdullah emphasized India’s pluralism, stating, “In our country, there are no people with the same mindset or lifestyle. We speak different languages, eat different food, and live in diverse ways. Yet, every citizen has a role in India’s development, and we will all share in its progress.”

The timing of Lok Samvardhan Parv with the blooming Tulip season is expected to attract significant tourist footfall, creating economic opportunities and market exposure for local artisans and entrepreneurs.

The shared walk and cultural celebration symbolized not only unity and appreciation for nature but also a commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and development in the region.