other side of snowfall

Every time Kashmir experiences snowfall, it brings with it endless woes ranging from  long power cuts, snapped communication, water shortage, dearth of essential  commodities and much  more. But can there be a comparable of the beauty it bestows on Kashmir valley?

By its softness, shapelessness and indifferent attachment to whatever and where ever it settles, snow transforms the whole Kashmir into a kind of fairyland. It renders uniformity to everything around with its white blanket.

Snow brings strange quiet hush all around. The whole valley is clad in white cover of snow. The lofty mountains surrounding the valley turn white under snow coverlet. The partly frozen water bodies, with shikaras in tow on the banks complement the beauty. White roofed wooden house boats over frozen lakes looks fascinating. There can hardly be seen any movement in the water bodies which would otherwise remain busy with commuters, visitors and fishermen.

“The season of summer and winter give two different looks to Kashmir. Summer is colourful while winter makes Kashmir white land,” said Nida Khan, student.

The outskirts of the valley, including world famous tourist destination of Gulmarg gain stunning look. The snow clad peaks and meadows of Gulmarg provides best ski slopes, besides facilitating ice-skating and other sports.

The beauty of Kashmir during snow has not only attracted thousands of domestic and international tourists but has also provided background to scores of Bollywood films. Visit of Mughal gardens or a simple drive along Boulevard is a real treat during snow.

“Every time it snows, I make a visit to Mughal gardens in Srinagar because they look exotic clad in snow. I love capturing it all in my camera,” says Ehsaan Majeed, a college student.

Snow also adds excitement to the life, and we all become children for a while, away from everything that divides us. Playing with snow or watching silent flakes of snow falling is what most of us like.“Though snow brings many problems for us, I like to involve in snow fights and make snowman. It brings back the memories of childhood,” said Aashiq Hussain, an employee.

He says he spends time with his children playing with snow and making snowman every winter.

“Snow becomes a reason for me to spend time with my children and relive my childhood too,” adds Aashiq.