Snowfall breaks month’s long prolonged dry spell, tourists, locals upbeat
Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, Dec 27 (KINS): After months of dry conditions, Kashmir has finally experienced its first significant snowfall of the season on Friday, blanketing popular destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam and other areas of South Kashmir.
The snowfall has also begun in Srinagar and parts of North Kashmir.
This much-awaited snowfall has brought a wave of joy and relief to locals, offering hope for a prosperous winter season.
News gathering agency KINS reported that in Gulmarg, the snowfall has been a blessing for local businesses. Manzoor Ahmad, a local tour operator, said, “It’s been tough with no tourists. This snowfall has revived our spirits. I already have bookings , and I hope this will keep going all season.”
For farmers, the snow has brought much-needed relief. Abdul Rashid, a farmer from Kulgam, expressed his gratitude, saying, “The dry spell had us worried, but this snow will replenish our water sources and help our crops thrive in the coming months. This snowfall is vital for us.”
The arrival of snow has also lifted the tourism industry. Shabir Ahmad, a shopkeeper in Pulwama, noted, “Snow always brings more tourists, and more tourists mean more business for us. We are looking forward to a good winter season.”
In Anantnag, Nazir Ahmed, a 65-year-old local, reflected on the significance of snowfall, saying, “Snowfall is part of our culture. It brings life back to the valley, and we’ve been waiting for this moment.”
In Shopian and Kulgam, locals were equally enthusiastic. Bilal Ahmad from Shopian remarked, “The snow is a blessing. It brings joy, and it will help our farmers. We’ve been eagerly waiting for it.” Ghulam Hassan, a farmer in Kulgam, added, “This snowfall is a relief. It’s a sign of better things to come for our crops.”
In Srinagar, children took full advantage of the snow. College student Iqra Jan said, “This is the most magical part of Kashmir. The snow makes everything beautiful and stepping outside is pure joy.”
Tourists visiting Kashmir were equally thrilled. Harpreet Kaur, a visitor from Punjab, shared her excitement, saying, “We came to Kashmir hoping to see snow, and it’s been a dream come true.”
The tourism industry is seeing a surge in activity, with bookings pouring in. Bashir Ahmad, a hotel manager in Pahalgam, said, “Snowfall is essential for winter tourism here. Our phones have been ringing non-stop with new bookings. This is exactly the boost we needed.”
With more snow predicted in the coming days, the people of Kashmir are filled with hope, as the snowfall brings not only beauty but also renewed optimism for a prosperous winter season.(KINS)
