Jammu and Kashmir emerged as a vibrant focal point of New Year celebrations drawing thousands of tourists to the winter tourist destinations and historic Gantha Ghar in city centre Lal Chowk.

In Srinagar, Lal Chowk—the city’s iconic commercial and cultural hub—witnessed an unprecedented surge in footfall as locals and visitors gathered to welcome the New Year.
The historic Clock Tower area was illuminated and buzzing with activity, with travellers from different parts of the country soaking in the festive atmosphere.
Visuals from the city centre reflected a rare blend of celebration and calm, symbolising a positive start to the year in the Valley.
Tourist hotspots across Kashmir added to the festive mood.
The world famous ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir, Sonamarg in central Kashmir and Pahalgam in south Kashmir saw large crowds of tourists celebrating the New Year against the backdrop of fresh snowfall.
Gulmarg and Sonamarg, draped in a thick white blanket, transformed into picturesque winter wonderlands, offering visitors a memorable start to 2026.
Hoteliers and tourism stakeholders described the turnout as one of the strongest New Year rushes in recent years, underlining a robust winter tourism season after a major setback to the tourism sector following the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack in which 25 tourists and a local ponywala were killed.
Dal Lake, one of Srinagar’s most iconic attractions, also remained a major draw on New Year’s Day. Authorities had made elaborate security arrangements across the Valley for smooth conduct of New Year celebration.
In Reasi district of Jammu region, a steady stream of devotees braved cold weather to pay obeisance at the Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra.
Despite dense fog and chilly conditions, pilgrims were seen undertaking the yatra with devotion and enthusiasm.
The entire hilltop was buzzing with energy as devotees from across the country gathered to start their New Year on a spiritual note.
The pilgrimage continued uninterrupted as devotees chose prayer and spiritual reflection to welcome 2026.
With festive cheer in the air, snow-clad landscapes drawing tourists, and pilgrims thronging Vaishno Devi shrine, Jammu and Kashmir welcomed 2026 on a note of hope, resilience and renewed confidence—reflecting the UT’s appeal as both a tourist and religious destination.