Jammu, Jan. 1 -- As India ushered in 2026, Jammu and Kashmir became a central hub of activity, blending festive celebration with spiritual devotion and seasonal beauty. In Srinagar, the heart of the city at Lal Chowk saw a surge in footfall, while the higher reaches, such as Sonamarg, were transformed into a winter wonderland by fresh snowfall. Simultaneously, thousands of pilgrims braved chilly conditions to seek blessings at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, all while the administration maintained a stringent security blanket across the region to ensure a peaceful transition into the New Year.

Lal Chowk has seen a significant increase in footfall as travellers from across the country gather to welcome the arrival of 2026. Visuals from...