NVI Correspondent
Srinagar, Dec 28(NVI): Amid heavy snowfall on Friday evening, a group of tourists found themselves caught in the tough weather conditions but found a hope as locals of Gund area of Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal opened the gates of a local mosque for them with an offer to spend the night in the warmth of traditional hamam.
With no way to continue their journey and the temperature dropping sharply, they had faced the harsh reality of being stuck in an unfamiliar place.
Just when fear began to set in, a local resident spotted their predicament and without hesitation, offered them a safe haven—the nearby mosque, which would provide not only shelter from the storm but warmth and hospitality in their time of need. The tourists, deeply grateful but uncertain, followed the kind stranger to the mosque, where they were greeted by the imam and a group of villagers who quickly made arrangements to make them comfortable.
Inside the mosque, the travelers were embraced by the warmth of the community. Blankets were offered and hot tea was served, the comforting aroma filling the air as the storm raged outside. The kind-hearted villagers and the imam, who saw it as a duty to help others, made sure the tourists felt at ease, offering them a peaceful refuge in the midst of the chaos.
Ranjeet a tourist from Madhya Pradesh, one of the tourists, spoke with gratitude. “We had no idea what to do when we got stuck, but people gave us more than shelter—they gave us hope. The warmth of the people here means more than words can express.”
Raj, another member of the group, nodded, adding, “It’s overwhelming, this kindness. We were scared, but the locals made us feel safe. In a world that can feel so cold, the warmth of the mosque hamam here is unforgettable.”
The imam, with a gentle smile, reassured them, “In times like this, it is our duty to care for others. You are not strangers here; you are our guests and we will always do what we can to help.”
As the snowfall continued through the night, the tourists, now feeling safe and cared for, shared stories with their hosts, the mosque becoming a place of connection and kindness. What had started as a terrifying experience turned into a beautiful memory of hospitality and compassion.
When morning finally arrived, the storm had cleared, and the roads were once again passable. The tourists, deeply touched by the generosity of the people of Ganderbal, prepared to continue their journey. Before leaving, they turned to the imam and said, “Thank you for saving us last night. You turned a frightening moment into a story we will tell for the rest of our lives.”
With that, the group departed, carrying not only memories of the stunning snow-covered landscape but also the warmth of the community that had opened its doors to them in their time of need. The snowfall had brought them together and they left Ganderbal with a renewed belief in the kindness that can be found even in the harsh conditions. (News Vibes of India)
