In a display of Kashmiri hospitality, locals in Gund area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district opened the doors of their homes and mosque to shelter the travellers stranded due to heavy snowfall.
A group of tourists from Punjab found themselves caught in the snowfall on Friday while returning from the Sonamarg area.
Their vehicles became stuck in the snow and with no nearby hotels and local houses too small to accommodate the group, Gund residents opened the doors of the Jamia Masjid, allowing the tourists to stay there for the night, officials added.
“It was the best possible solution as the mosque has a hamaam, which stays warm throughout the night,” said Bashir Ahmad, a local resident.
The tourists expressed their gratitude to the locals for their help. “We were stuck in the snow, and you came to our rescue. We are extremely thankful to all of you,” one of them said.
Another tourist said, “Everyone should visit Kashmir to experience its hospitality. Everyone here is kind and it is safe to visit. Please come to this paradise on earth.”Jammu and Kashmir tourism
Some tourists were also welcomed into local homes, where they were given comfort and care.
A video of the tourists, which went viral on social media, showed them expressing gratitude to the residents.
The gesture of goodwill from the residents garnered widespread appreciation, including from politicians.
“Stranded tourists in Ganderbal found an unexpected yet welcoming refuge at a mosque last night. Kashmiris aren’t only human but humane too. Wish media would stop perpetuating the stereotype that grabs eyeballs & instead throw light on how hospitable Kashmiris are,” Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti said on X.
Heavy snowfall also left many tourists stranded along the Srinagar-Jammu highway and at tourist destinations like Doodhpathri, Tangmarg and Pahalgam.
Police and administration began reaching out to stranded tourists, providing hot drinks and other necessities to keep them warm during the night.