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By:

Archita Redkar

11 September 2025 at 2:30:25 pm

Discover Kashmir's Most Magical Season

From the golden hues of autumn to a white winter wonderland, Kashmir transforms with every passing season Nestled in the northernmost part of India, Kashmir is often described as “Paradise on Earth", a title that becomes instantly understandable the moment one sets foot in its valleys. Surrounded by the mighty Himalayas and the Pir Panjal ranges, the Kashmir Valley is blessed with snow-clad peaks, crystal-clear rivers, alpine meadows, dense forests, and picturesque lakes. Every season paints...

Discover Kashmir's Most Magical Season

From the golden hues of autumn to a white winter wonderland, Kashmir transforms with every passing season Nestled in the northernmost part of India, Kashmir is often described as “Paradise on Earth", a title that becomes instantly understandable the moment one sets foot in its valleys. Surrounded by the mighty Himalayas and the Pir Panjal ranges, the Kashmir Valley is blessed with snow-clad peaks, crystal-clear rivers, alpine meadows, dense forests, and picturesque lakes. Every season paints Kashmir in a different colour, but the period from October to March has its own magical charm. Though considered the low tourist season, it is one of the best times to experience the region peacefully, enjoy attractive hotel rates, and witness nature transform from the golden hues of autumn into a white winter wonderland. As a tour leader, one of my most memorable journeys was leading a group of 35 enthusiastic travellers to Kashmir in October 2023. Organising a large group in the mountains always comes with challenges, from coordinating transport along winding roads to ensuring everyone experiences the destination comfortably. Yet, the smiles on everyone’s faces made every effort worthwhile. Watching our group marvel at the colourful Chinar trees, sip steaming Kashmiri Kahwa in the crisp mountain air, and enjoy conversations with local families created unforgettable memories. The warmth and hospitality of the Kashmiri people, their genuine smiles, welcoming nature, and eagerness to share stories of their homeland added a special emotional connection to the journey. Historically, Kashmir has been a crossroads of cultures, religions, and civilisations. Ancient Hindu kingdoms flourished here before the arrival of Buddhism, which spread across Asia from this region. Later, Islamic rulers shaped much of Kashmir’s cultural identity while preserving many artistic traditions. This rich blend of influences is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, handicrafts, and customs. The terraced Mughal Gardens along the banks of Dal Lake continue to showcase timeless Persian-inspired landscape design. Kashmir is equally significant for its spiritual heritage. The ancient Shankaracharya Temple, perched atop a hill overlooking Srinagar, is one of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and offers panoramic views of the city and Dal Lake. The revered Kheer Bhawani Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi, attracts thousands of devotees each year. Together, these sacred sites reflect Kashmir’s deep-rooted spiritual traditions alongside its diverse cultural heritage. No visit to Kashmir is complete without experiencing the world-famous Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world. Rising above snow-covered slopes and dense pine forests, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. During winter, Gulmarg transforms into one of Asia’s finest skiing destinations, while in October its lush green meadows gradually give way to golden landscapes, creating stunning photographic opportunities. The scenic valleys of Kashmir each possess their own distinct character. Pahalgam enchants visitors with flowing rivers, pine forests, and peaceful countryside. Betaab Valley, named after the famous Bollywood film, is surrounded by towering mountains and crystal-clear streams. Aru Valley offers tranquil landscapes for nature lovers, while Sonamarg welcomes visitors with magnificent glaciers, alpine meadows, and spectacular mountain vistas. Beyond the popular attractions lie Kashmir’s lesser-known treasures. The pristine meadows of Doodhpathri, the untouched beauty of Yusmarg, and the serene landscapes of Gurez Valley provide perfect escapes for travellers seeking peace away from the crowds. Food forms another memorable chapter of every Kashmiri journey. Traditional dishes such as Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Gushtaba, Dum Aloo, and Haak reflect the region’s rich culinary heritage. Freshly baked breads from local bakeries, accompanied by fragrant Kahwa infused with saffron, almonds, and spices, offer comfort during chilly mornings. Every meal is prepared with remarkable care, making dining an experience rather than a necessity. Equally fascinating are Kashmir’s traditional crafts. Intricately woven Pashmina shawls, hand-knotted carpets, walnut wood carvings, papier-mâché art, and exquisite saffron represent centuries-old craftsmanship passed down through generations. Visitors often return home carrying not just souvenirs but pieces of Kashmir’s artistic soul. As tourism continues to flourish, excitement about travelling to Kashmir has never been greater. Improved connectivity, enhanced infrastructure, and positive travel experiences have encouraged families, photographers, honeymooners, adventure seekers, and senior citizens alike to explore this enchanting destination. Whether cruising on a Shikara across Dal Lake, walking beneath vibrant Chinar trees, riding the Gulmarg Gondola, or simply enjoying the silence of snow-covered mountains, Kashmir leaves every visitor spellbound. October to March offers travellers a rare opportunity to witness Kashmir in its most intimate and magical form. Fewer crowds, attractive prices, vibrant autumn colours, and enchanting snowfall combine to create an unforgettable holiday. Every journey to Kashmir is more than a vacation—it is an experience filled with natural beauty, rich heritage, warm hospitality, and cherished memories that continue to call travellers back to this Himalayan paradise. (The writer is a tourism professional and runs a company, Global Voyages. She could be contacted at goglobalvoyages@gmail.com. Views personal.)

Lateral upgrade to ailing annihilation

Updated: Oct 21, 2024

Lateral upgrade to ailing annihilation

Being the first person from the private sector to be appointed as chairperson of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) as part of the government’s lateral initiative, Madhabi Puri Buch also holds the honour of being the first woman to hold the top post as capital market regulator.

But the laurels that the former private sector banker enjoyed in her earlier stint with ICICI Bank, was marred with allegations that she and her husband were having a stake in offshore entities, which were used to artificially inflate shares of Adani group companies.

Terming the allegation as `character assassination, Buch clarified that all disclosures have already been furnished and the fund in question did not invest in any securities involving the Adani group.

When it rains, it pours. This allegation was subsequently followed by Congress Party allegation that Buch had received salary and post-retirement benefits from ICICI Bank after she quit the private sector bank.

In its clarification to the stock exchanges, ICICI Bank asserted that the payments made to Buch were purely retirement benefits after her exit from the bank and they were neither salary nor employee stock options.

Prior to these allegations, Buch tenure at SEBI was all about bringing in quick reforms on operational issues by changing the format of consultation paper to bring in larger responses digitally. Being data savvy, the rationale of her decisions were democratic based on big data analysis derived from the responses received to the consultation papers.

Further she bifurcated the duties of the SEBI staff between operations and enforcement, which were done by the same persons earlier. Having worked for the private sector in the capital market domain space, Buch had a better understanding of the subject compared to officers from the administrative service in the past that reflected even in her orders as a whole-time director at SEBI before becoming the chairperson. As a whole time director at SEBI, her orders on adjudication issues were more directional to the capital market space, according to experts in the compliance space. She was also quick to revamp the old provisions of the 90s at SEBI.

Being tech and data savvy, Buch enhanced regulatory surveillance and detection of market manipulation, insider trading and fraud while also emphasizing on strengthening corporate governance by introducing stricter rules for independent directors and enhancing disclosures for related-party transactions.

To put in perspective, the annual report of the capital market regulator in the just concluded financial year revealed that the number of investigations related to insider trading jumped to 175 in 2023-24 from 85 in the preceding year while probes related to front running jumped over three times to 83 from 24 in the preceding year.

Transparency in mutual funds by implementing measures to protect retail investors along with tightening norms for initial public offers, particularly in the SME platforms were some of her other positive initiatives including confirmation of denial of any market rumours within 24 hours for the top 100 listed companies which will be extended to top 250 companies from December 1. However increased transparency and compliance with tightening regulations led to increased operational costs for the market participants and hence faced resistance from certain quarters. Born in 1966, Buch completed her primary education in Mumbai and graduated with specialization in Mathematics from Delhi and later obtained a management degree from Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. In between, she got engaged to Dhawal Buch, a director at a consumer goods multinational at the age of eighteen and got married at the age of 21.

Besides ICICI Bank, Buch also worked as a lecturer at a college in England, worked at Greater Pacific Capital in Singapore and ICICI Securities as its CEO. She also worked as executive director on several private sector companies and as a consultant for New Development Bank (Brics Bank).

What now remains to be seen, is whether Buch, who survived the 26/11 terror attack when she along with her husband, was attending a meeting at Taj, be able to overcome the current ordeal. Keeping fingers crossed for the times to come.

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