Tourists relive DDLJ romance in Kashmir’s blooming Mustard fields

Srinagar, Apr 4: With the arrival of spring in the picturesque Kashmir, Valley’s mustard fields have unexpectedly emerged as a new tourist attraction, enchanting visitors with their golden hues reminiscent of the iconic scenes from the Bollywood blockbuster, “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (DDLJ).
Young couples and tourists are flocking to these fields, eager to capture the essence of the beloved movie amidst the stunning natural backdrop.

As the rural landscape transforms into a golden spectacle adorned with breathtaking mustard blossoms, the fields have become a magnet for tourists seeking unforgettable experiences and stunning photo opportunities. The picturesque scenery, with golden petals contrasting against the snow-capped mountains, has created a canvas that rivals the most captivating Bollywood sets.
Tourists make a stopover by the mustard fields to capture selfies amidst the sea of yellow petals, evoking scenes reminiscent of the DDLJ magic. “We are capturing every moment. The beauty of this place is unparalleled, and this feels straight out of a DDLJ movie,” exclaimed Neelum Rani, a tourist from Pune, while striking an iconic pose amidst the mustard blooms.
For content creators and vloggers, the mustard fields provide a vibrant and colorful backdrop to enrich their content. “Kashmir’s allure is perennial, but spring offers a burst of vibrant hues,” said Imran Ahmad, emphasizing the charm of capturing moments amid the mustard fields and wild tulips, ideal for pre-wedding shoots.
Tourists from across the globe, like Shanelle from Canada, find themselves enchanted by the unexpected beauty of the mustard fields. “This moment will stay etched in our memories forever. Words fail to describe the sheer beauty of this place,” she said, expressing her awe at the natural spectacle.
Beyond its visual splendor, mustard cultivation plays a pivotal role in the region’s agricultural economy. With around 70% of the state’s population residing in rural areas, their livelihoods are intricately tied to this sector. Under the National Oilseeds Mission, ambitious plans are underway to expand oilseed cultivation, particularly mustard, in Kashmir.
“The mission aims to expand oilseed cultivation to 140,000 hectares by 2023-24, a remarkable 253.12% increase,” said a senior agriculture department official.
He added that this expansion is projected to yield approximately 133.4 thousand metric tons of edible oils, valued at around 770.385 crore rupees, bolstering the agricultural economy of the region significantly.
As the mustard fields continue to captivate visitors with their golden hues and Bollywood-esque charm, they not only offer a unique tourist experience but also hold the promise of economic growth and prosperity for the local farming community.