Mata Vaishno Devi Hills Witness First Snowfall Of The Season Amid Devotees Pilgrimage

Jammu, 16-01-2025: Mata Vaishno Devi's sacred Trikuta hills witnessed the season's first snowfall, transforming the revered pilgrimage site into a winter wonderland. Alongside, widespread rain swept across the Jammu region, disrupting key transport links like the Mughal and Simthan roads, officials reported. Despite the snowfall and travel challenges, the determination of devotees remained unwavering as pilgrims braved the cold to trek on foot toward the shrine, seeking the blessings of the divine.

Pilgrims expressed their joy at witnessing the snowfall during their sacred journey. "Feeling the snowflakes for the first time in my life, and that too here, feels like a divine blessing," shared an elated devotee from Pune.

Beyond the Trikuta hills, other areas in the Jammu region such as Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Poonch, Kathua, and Reasi districts experienced moderate to heavy snowfall. The famous tourist destination of Sanasar also received moderate snowfall, attracting attention for its scenic beauty blanketed in white.

However, the weather caused significant disruptions. Inter-district roads and prominent routes like the Mughal and Simthan roads were rendered impassable due to heavy snow accumulation. Despite rain and snowfall in Ramban and Udhampur districts, the Jammu-Srinagar national highway remained operational. Traffic movement, however, slowed significantly, particularly in the snow-hit Qazigund-Anantnag and Banihal areas near the Navyug Tunnel.

A traffic advisory urged commuters to avoid traveling on the highway unless necessary, citing safety concerns due to ongoing heavy snowfall in vulnerable sectors. The advisory highlighted the challenges for drivers navigating icy and treacherous road conditions, emphasizing caution.

As the region embraces the beauty and challenges of winter, the snowfall has brought with it a mix of blessings and hardships. While devotees and tourists find solace in the serene beauty, the practical difficulties posed by the weather underline the importance of robust infrastructure and preparedness during such periods.