bjp-celebrates-as-party-leads-in-j-and-k-assembly-elections-says-will-create-new-history

BJP celebrates as party leads in J and K assembly elections, says 'will create new history'

New Delhi/ Jammu/ Kolkata, Dec 23 (ANI): BJP on Tuesday celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir even as final results of the five-phased assembly elections are yet to be announced. BJP leader Krishan Lal who won from the Chhamb constituency of the state against Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand said that it was a great victory for the BJP. JandK BJP President RP Singh and party leader Siddharth Nath Singh said that the party is making new records in the state and the elections has brought BJP to the position of the largest party in the valley. Dec 23, 2014
kashmir-shivers-as-cold-wave-shows-no-signs-of-abating

Kashmir shivers as cold wave shows no signs of abating

Srinagar, Dec 23 (ANI): People of Jammu and Kashmir continue to shiver and daily life is paralyzed as the cold wave in the state shows no signs of weakening anytime soon.Minimum temperatures in Jammu and Kashmir have dropped to sub-zero level forcing people to stay indoors. The sudden dip in temperatures is said to have been caused by snowfall in the Himalayas and has adversely impacted the upper half of the country. The cold wave has compounded the troubles of homeless people and those going out to work and earn their living. A resident, Mashrum Ali, said on Monday that it was quite difficult to step out of homes early in the mornings. To make things worse for the people of Kashmir, Chilai Kalan- the harshest forty day period of winter- arrived in Kashmir with upper reaches of the valley receiving fresh snowfall on Saturday. People are busy preparing and stocking up for Chilai Kalan. Reportedly, this year Chilai Kalan has arrived earlier than expected sparking fears that temperatures may dip lower than the average. Dec 23, 2014
devotees-from-different-faiths-throng-at-urs-of-sheikh-hamzah-makhdoom-in-srinagar

Devotees from different faiths throng at Urs of Sheikh Hamzah Makhdoom in Srinagar

Srinagar, Dec 22 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir, a land of peace and harmony, well known for the spiritual places is like an abode for the saints of India. Among those saints is Hazrat Sheikh Hamzah Makhdoom of Srinagar, who earned high regards from his followers due to his teachings of unity. His followers belonging to different communities come together every year at his shrine to pay obeisance to the saint. The annual Urs of this famous saint is being observed according to the Islamic Calendar and is celebrated for 13 days. Devotees here come with utmost devotion and preach saint's teaching who believed in the message of brotherhood. Every day hundreds of devotees visit this famous shrine of the Kashmir valley and pray for peace and prosperity of the people and the state. Dec 22, 2014
northern-india-continues-to-shiver-as-cold-wave-intensifies

Northern India continues to shiver as cold wave intensifies

New Delhi/ Srinagar, Dec 21 (ANI): Northern India grappled with extreme cold as the mercury dipped further on Sunday. People in New Delhi sat around bonfire to keep them warm and sipped cups of tea. On the other hand, Chilai Kalan - the harshest 40-day period of winter - arrived in Jammu and Kashmir with upper reaches of the valley receiving fresh snowfall. The cold wave has added to the troubles of daily wage labourers like auto drivers and rickshaw pullers and homeless people as they have no alternative but to bear the chill and earn their living. The sudden dip in temperatures is said to have been caused by snowfall in the Himalayas and has adversely impacted the upper half of the country. Meanwhile, minimum temperatures in Jammu and Kashmir have dropped to sub-zero level. People are busy preparing and stocking up for Chilai Kalan. Reportedly, this year Chilai Kalan has arrived earlier than expected, sparking fears that temperatures may dip lower than the average. Dec 21, 2014
biting-cold-adds-to-woes-of-people-of-j-and-k-rendered-homeless-during-floods

Biting cold adds to woes of people of J and K rendered homeless during floods

Poonch, Dec 21 (ANI): Harsh winters in Jammu and Kashmir have added to the troubles of those who were rendered homeless by the deluge almost four months back and now continue to put up in makeshift tents. Hundreds of people were killed and thousands of villages were devastated by the worst flooding in decades in the Kashmir valley in September. Roads in state capital of Srinagar were transformed into stagnant canals strewn with wreckage, trash and dead animals. A flood victim, Imran Khan said around 82 families are still suffering and continue to live in tents while some are staying with their relatives. The victims also said the government had promised them to provide free food and water for six months but they have not received anything yet. The flood-hit victims are battling to survive despite going hungry, homeless and freezing in the cold weather. Dec 21, 2014
as-winter-sets-in-kashmir-gorges-on-winter-snacks

As winter sets in, Kashmir gorges on winter snacks

Srinagar, Dec 20 (ANI): Its winter season once again in northern India and as temperatures dip to sub-zero level in Kashmir, people throng markets in the valley to relish some of their favourite winter snacks. The traditional snacks of Jammu and Kashmir known as Nadir Mounji or Mounji Goul are selling like hot cakes in the winter season. These traditional snacks have different varieties including Nadir Monji, Gaer Gouji. Made from lotus stem, chestnuts and other ingredients, these snacks have a great demand this season. These snacks are an essential part of daily lives of people in Kashmir during winters. A seller, Mohammad Azad, said on Friday that people come from far flung areas to get a taste of their favourite snacks. Not only are these snacks delectable but also help people bear the cold and the change in weather. Dec 20, 2014
after-snowfall-himachal-police-asks-tourists-not-to-visit-manali

After snowfall, Himachal Police asks tourists not to visit Manali

Shimla/ Bhopal/Amritsar, Dec 18 (ANI): Incessant snowfall and cold wave over the last five days have thrown normal life out of gear in Himachal Pradesh including the popular tourist resort town of Manali in the Kullu valley. Police has issued an advisory requesting the tourists not to visit Manali for the next few days as a two to three feet snow cover is there. The dip in mercury due to snowfall in the upper reaches has even impacted northern states such as Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Officials of meteorological department in Himachal Pradesh state have forecast similar weather conditions for the week. Meanwhile, dense fog has disrupted life in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh states. Flights and trains are running late due to low visibility. Dec 18, 2014
hindus-and-muslims-come-together-to-seek-blessings-during-urs-of-lassa-bab-in-j-and-k

Hindus and Muslims come together to seek blessings during Urs of Lassa Bab in J and K

Jammu and Kashmir, Dec 15 (ANI): The Jammu and Kashmir state is a mix of varied religious beliefs, and people here enjoy this diversity. The state houses a sizeable population of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians and they have always lived in peace and amity, besides celebrating each other's fairs and festivals. A similar example is seen during the annual Urs of Ghulam Rasool Bhat alias Lassa Bab in Srinagar where devotes from different religious communities pray together to seek blessings of the saint. The devotees, who come from different parts of the valley, hold the day-and-night-long prayers to pay obeisance to Lassa Bab. Women, men and children all form the part of celebrations, which is marked by prayers and chanting hymns to please the God at the holy place. Dec 15, 2014