Kashmir welcomes 2026 amid snow, music & celebrations

Abid Bashir
Comments 0
31 Dec 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, Kashmir is ringing in the New Year not in silence but in celebration. From the snow-clad slopes of Gulmarg to the serene valleys of Pahalgam, the alpine charm of Sonmarg, the shimmering waters of Dal Lake, and the bustling heart of Srinagar at Lal Chowk’s Clock Tower, music-filled nights and festive gatherings have transformed the Valley into a vibrant year-end destination amid a massive tourist rush. At the centre of the festivities is Gulmarg, where the Department of Tourism has launched a seven-day New Year Carnival from December 31 to January 6. “We want tourists to enjoy their stay in Kashmir and leave on a happy note. They are our brand ambassadors,” said Joint Director Tourism Wassem Raja. “On New Year’s Eve, we have planned a series of events at all major tourist destinations.” The carnival features live music, cultural evenings, winter activities, and local food festivals, designed to extend celebrations beyond a single night. “Gulmarg has become the biggest New Year hotspot this season,” a tourism official said. “The aim is to offer visitors a complete festive experience over several days.” As evening fell, music echoed across the slopes while festive lights illuminated the snow-covered landscape. “This is unforgettable,” said Rohit Mehra, a tourist from Delhi. “Snow, music, and such a lively atmosphere , there couldn’t be a better way to welcome the New Year.” Similar celebrations took place in Pahalgam and Sonmarg. In Pahalgam, visitors enjoyed live performances amid pine forests and the soothing sounds of the Lidder river. “We wanted a peaceful but festive New Year, and Pahalgam gave us exactly that,” said Ananya Sharma, visiting from Mumbai. In Sonmarg, bonfires, music, and hot kahwa added warmth to the cold night as tourists soaked in the breathtaking mountain scenery. In Srinagar, Dal Lake became a spectacle of lights and music. Houseboats and hotels along the boulevard hosted musical nights, while illuminated shikaras glided over the calm waters, creating postcard-perfect scenes. At Lal Chowk’s iconic Clock Tower, thousands of tourists gathered, taking selfies, waving flags, shopping at late-night stores, and enjoying the festive mood under heightened security. “I never imagined celebrating New Year at Lal Chowk,” said Vikram Singh, a tourist from Jaipur. “The energy here is amazing — it feels safe, vibrant, and welcoming.” Hoteliers and tour operators reported near-full occupancy across major tourist hubs, calling this one of the busiest year-end rushes in recent times. Travel industry stakeholders said the scenes at Gulmarg, Dal Lake, and Lal Chowk reflect growing confidence among visitors. “As the clock struck midnight, Kashmir didn’t just welcome a new year — it celebrated a strong comeback,” said a Srinagar-based tour operator. With music in the mountains, lights on the lake, and crowds cheering at the Clock Tower, Kashmir stepped into 2026 wrapped in hope, celebration, and the promise of a brighter tourist season ahead.