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Gulmarg's Muslim Caretaker: A Symbol of Unity
25 Dec
Summary
- A Muslim man is the caretaker of Gulmarg's historic St. Mary's Church.
- Tourists from across India are flocking to Gulmarg for a 'white Christmas'.
- Gulmarg is experiencing its first snowfall at the start of Chillai Kalan.
Gulmarg is currently experiencing a magical white Christmas, with a thick layer of snow covering the landscape and creating a festive atmosphere. St. Mary's Church, a century-old Victorian structure, is a focal point, drawing visitors who are often surprised and delighted to find that its caretaker is a local Muslim man named Muzaffar Ahmad. His service is seen as a beautiful example of Kashmir's syncretic culture and religious harmony.
A large influx of tourists has arrived in Gulmarg, eager to celebrate Christmas and the New Year amidst the snow-covered scenery. Many describe it as a lifelong dream to have a 'white Christmas.' Hotels are reportedly fully booked, and the nearby slopes are filled with people learning to ski, offering a vital boost to the local economy. This period marks the beginning of Chillai Kalan, the harshest 40 days of winter.
