SRINAGAR ( JAMMU AND KASHMIR): With the Valley enveloped in snow, demand for local dry fish called Hoggard, a savory winter delicacy of Kashmir , has increased.Situated in the northern most part of India, Kashmir Valley is witnessing heavy snowfall for the past several days.As the temperature falls, people in the state tend to consume food items that keep them warm and Hoggard is one such source. The dried fish is stocked for use in the bitter cold of the winter when heavy snowfall cuts off the Valley from the rest of the country."We consume it during the winter season. It is beneficial in curing back pain, congestion and other cold-related problems. Doctors also recommend this, Bashir Ahmad, a local Hoggard seller, told ANI.The demand for the dry fish has increased due to unavailability of fresh vegetables after the Srinagar-Jammu national highway was shut due to heavy snowfall.More than a necessity, eating Hoggard during winters is a part of Kasmir age-old tradition. People consume the fish during the three-four months of winter and spring season.

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