The heavy snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir largely ends the prolonged dry spell and rainfall deficit.

Snowfall is not just a natural phenomenon; it means life to a place like J&K that is largely dependent on melt off from glaciers. Due to climate change and rising pollution levels, J&K in the last several years has been facing dry spells in the peak winter period. This has caused a massive water crisis and hit our hydropower generation besides affecting agriculture, horticulture and tourism sectors.

Amid prolonged dry spell, people in Kashmir turned to ancient traditions and prayers to seek snowfall and rains. At various places across the valley, people prepared and distributed Sasras, a traditional meal cooked in large vessels, usually of rice and other staples, cooked over fire wood on the road. Sasras was distributed among the needy, children, and residents alike— reflecting an age-old custom anchored in faith and collective spirit during times of environmental hardships. Besides, people also offered special congregational prayers known as Salat-ul-Istisqa at various shrines and masjids to seek an end to dry spell. And finally prayers were answered with heavy snow spells especially in north, south and central Kashmir areas. However, Srinagar city was devoid of snowfall. The snowfall led to closure of Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and Mughal Road connecting Kashmir Valley.

J&K........

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