India, March 20 -- Rains in the plains and snowfall over higher reaches, including the ski resort of Gulmarg, were recorded in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday.

The meteorological department reported that the past 24 hours witnessed light to moderate rain and snowfall at most places. Throughout the night, incessant rains occurred across the plains, including Srinagar. Pahalgam recorded a maximum of 20.8mm of rain and Qazigund 18.6mm. Sonamarg also received fresh snowfall, signalling a return to winter conditions after a brief dry spell.

Braving this inclement weather, over 31,000 pilgrims visited the holy town of Katra to pay obeisance at the Mata Vaishno Devi temple on the first day of Navratri. As of 10pm on Thursday, 31,690 pilgrims had r...