The first morning of the New Year arrived in the Kashmir Valley not with silence, but with a quiet, confident optimism that could be felt from Pahalgam to Sonmarg, from the iconic Lal Chowk Ghantaghar to the serene waters of Dal Lake. Wrapped in a biting winter chill, the Valley chose warmth—of spirit, of smiles, and of renewed belief.
Tourists returned not in trickles but in reassuring numbers, stretching from the meadows of Gulmarg to the bustling corners of Srinagar, and from Kargil’s gateways to visitors arriving from Kerala, West Bengal and other parts of the country. While snow blanketed higher reaches like Sonmarg and Gulmarg, the plains buzzed with life and movement. Hoteliers, shikara owners, taxi drivers, shopkeepers, and artisans—many of whom had learned patience the hard way—welcomed the New Year with open arms and cautious hope. For them, the sight of visitors braving the cold was more than seasonal business; it was proof that confidence is returning.
There was something symbolic about people gathering at public spaces on the first day of the year. Families posed for photographs at Lal Chowk, children laughed along winter-lit streets, and the Valley looked, for a moment, exactly how it wants to be seen: peaceful, alive, and open to the world. In a region where every winter tests resilience, this one began with faith instead of fear.
Credit where it’s due. The steady return of tourism is not accidental. It is the result of sustained efforts by security agencies who ensured a peaceful atmosphere, often away from the spotlight, and the consistent push by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to rebuild trust. Security, governance, and outreach worked in quiet coordination—no grand speeches, just results. In Kashmir, that matters more than slogans.
The New Year has not magically erased challenges. Roads still need work, jobs still need creation, and trust still needs nurturing. But optimism, like winter sunlight, spreads quietly and changes the mood. This beginning suggests that dreams long kept on hold may finally move closer to reality.
As the Valley steps into the year ahead, the message from its people is clear: let peace stay, let tourists return, and let progress become routine—not an exception. If the first day is any indication, Kashmir is ready. Now, the year must live up to the promise.
