Winters without snow are ‘a body without a soul’; fresh snow means hope for agriculture, water security and winter games
Mudasir Ali
In Kashmir valley, the winter is often harsh and cold, but it is considered a blessing. Every heart awaits it with open arms, leaving no stone unturned in making supplications in mosques and khanqahs. Those soft cries in supplication have finally been answered, and snowfall has been redirected to Kashmir,, where it falls.
Snowfall is not only for enjoying winter games, but it also heals cuts, dressing them well for a new start. It is one of the fascinating weather charms in the winter, bringing new hope and smiles. It recharges the starved earth that awaits it for so long. Dry spells often lead to drought conditions in some areas and pose various challenges, resulting in low yields. Farmers desperately wait for its arrival, as they are entirely dependent on it. It gives them new hope, making their lands fit and preventing trees from disease. A major portion of agriculture depends on precipitation.
Precipitation in the form of rain and snow is a dynamic weather pattern. If it is disturbed by any factor, it results in great loss in agricultural yield. Nature has its own ways to manage things in the right order. It truly depicts nature’s clear wisdom and effective planning to balance the earth’s atmospheric grid. Keeping the ecological balance intact is another significant attribute, allowing species to thrive in their habitats.
Snowfall gives many lessons that we should not forget. Some of the lessons it brings to the valley of Kashmir are sensational and attractive. These lessons often remind us of their marvellous legacy and metaphorically address a myriad of objectives that we should ponder upon. Our elders often say that snowfall is a panacea to every problem, especially those related to agricultural fields. If they receive a good amount of snow in winter, it is predicted that its effects will bring positive results. Meadows serve livestock in summer with nutritious food like grass; they must receive snow in winter to prevent them from drying. It has huge benefits, which is the main objective.
Snowfall changes weather patterns and atmospheric circulation. It makes the sky clear by sucking up suspended particulate matter (SPM). If we were to count the benefits one by one, it would take a long time to list them all.
Snowfall is bewitching and attracts tourists to visit Kashmir. Many visit famous tourist places in order to enjoy the snow by playing winter games. It is also a source of income for many. Domestic and foreign tourists come to participate in the winter games and enjoy the moments. One of the prominent games is skiing, which is played on snow. In addition, they take rides on sledges. One cannot ignore the legacy that it carries. White imprints fill everyone’s heart with new energy. There are a lot of advantages that benefit not only the glaciers but also the low-lying areas. It is a boon for agricultural fields. The high-altitude glaciers in Kashmir are receiving fresh snow that compensates for the loss through ablation.
Winters without snow are like a body without a soul. It is a deep-rooted legacy of Kashmir that manifests rich intricacy. Snowfall is a relief for every living entity on earth, as well as in water, be it humans or any small organism that breathes in deep waters. A unique attribute of snowfall is that it rejuvenates the earth’s beauty with white flakes that reflect proudly.
The writer is a columnist
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