SRINAGAR: Amid the heavy snowfall that brought normal life to a standstill in Kashmir, local residents in the Ganderbal district, particularly along the Sonamarg road, stepped forward to offer crucial help to stranded tourists. Areas like Gund, Gagangir, Sonamarg, Kulan, Rayil, and Guna-Van were hit by roadblocks, leaving hundreds of tourists trapped in the region.
With road conditions worsening and vehicles slipping on the snow, many visitors found themselves with no way to continue their journey, and hotels quickly reached full capacity.
In the face of these challenges, local communities demonstrated extraordinary hospitality, with many opening their homes to the stranded tourists, providing them with warmth, shelter, and food. “The kindness of the locals was heartwarming,” shared a tourist from New Delhi. “When our vehicle got stuck, we had nowhere to go, but the people of Kashmir welcomed us into their homes. Their generosity in such difficult conditions will stay with us forever.” A tourist from Nagpur also praised the gesture, saying it provided a deeper understanding of the kindness of Kashmiris.
In Gagangir, hotel owners even offered free accommodation to ensure the tourists’ safety during the harsh weather.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, also expressed his admiration for the outpouring of support. In a postr on X Mirwaiz wrote: “Heartening to see Kashmiris opening their Masjids and homes to stranded tourists amidst heavy snowfall. This gesture of warmth and humanity reflects our longstanding tradition of hospitality and help in times of need,” he wrote.
Heartening to see Kashmiris opening their Masjids and homes to stranded tourists amidst heavy snowfall. This gesture of warmth and humanity reflects our longstanding tradition of hospitality and help in times of need. pic.twitter.com/pkEeF1oLBG
— Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) December 28, 2024
The snowfall, triggered by a fresh Western Disturbance, disrupted air and road traffic across Kashmir, including the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu highway and the cancellation of flights. Despite these setbacks, the collective efforts of locals to ensure the safety and well-being of tourists reflect the region’s deep-rooted tradition of hospitality, even during the harshest of weather conditions. (With KNT Inputs)
