Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Launches Almond Blossom Festival 2026 and E-Ticketing Portal at Badamwari
SRINAGAR, MARCH 14, 2026 — Chief Minister Omar Abdullah officially ushered in the spring season today by inaugurating the Almond Blossom Festival-2026, titled “Badam Vaer Blooms,” at the historic Badamwari garden in Srinagar’s old city.
Highlighting the festival as a symbol of Kashmir’s enduring connection with nature, the Chief Minister emphasized that the blooming almonds represent a spirit of renewal and cultural vibrancy.
He noted that such events are crucial for reviving heritage spaces, boosting local tourism, and providing a vital economic platform for regional artisans and performers to showcase their traditional crafts and talents.
In a significant move toward modernizing the region’s tourism infrastructure, Chief Minister Abdullah also launched an online garden ticketing portal for all major gardens across Jammu and Kashmir.
This new e-ticketing system is designed to eliminate physical queues and provide a seamless, high-tech experience for both domestic and international visitors.
During his tour of the “Almond Alcove,” the Chief Minister interacted warmly with the public, posing for selfies and inspecting various exhibition stalls featuring progressive farmers and florists.
He commended the Floriculture Department for its timely preparation of the gardens, which have already begun drawing massive crowds of tourists and locals in the early spring weeks.
The high-profile event saw the attendance of several cabinet ministers, including Javid Ahmed Dar and Satish Sharma, along with Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and MLA Tanvir Sadiq.
Senior officials, including Commissioner Secretary Zubair Ahmad and Director Floriculture Mathura Masoom, were also present to witness the dual launch of the cultural festivities and the digital ticketing initiative.
By integrating traditional heritage with modern convenience, the administration aims to foster a more sustainable and accessible tourism environment while preserving the historic grandeur of Srinagar’s iconic landscapes.