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Season’s first snowfall enlivens Kashmir; Gulmarg awaits Christmas, New Year’s Eve revellers
Those associated with the tourism industry had been eagerly awaiting the snowfall.
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IANS - Tue, 23, Dec 2025
- 01:43 EST
- 12
A lone visitor walks through the fresh snow amidst tall pine tree during the first snowfall of Chillai Kalan in Gulmarg, Baramulla / IANS
Snow in the higher reaches and rain in the plains of the Kashmir Valley over the past 24 hours broke a three-month-long dry spell on Dec.22 as the 40-day period of harsh winter cold, locally known as Chillai Kalan, began on a positive note.
The Gulmarg ski resort received nearly nine inches of snowfall during the past 24 hours, draping the resort in a pristine white blanket. Skiers, Christmas and New Year’s Eve revellers, and those associated with the tourism industry had been eagerly awaiting the snowfall.
The hill stations of Sonamarg and Pahalgam also received the season’s first snowfall during the past 24 hours, as hoteliers and tour and travel operators look forward to tourist arrivals over the next two to three days.
Farmers and orchardists heaved a sigh of relief, as a prolonged dry spell had threatened not only the Rabi crop but also the prospects of a good fruit season next year.
Snowfall during Chillai Kalan traditionally replenishes perennial water reservoirs located in the mountains.
These reservoirs sustain rivers, streams, lakes and springs in Jammu and Kashmir during the hot summer months.
Pulmonologists expect the rain and snow to improve air quality in the Valley, bringing relief to those suffering from breathing issues and other chest-related ailments.
A Meteorological (MeT) Department official said rain or snow could occur at scattered places across the union territory over the next 24 hours, though with milder intensity and frequency.
Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 4 degrees Celsius, Gulmarg minus 2.4 degrees and Pahalgam 2.4 degrees.
Jammu city and Katra town recorded minimum temperatures of 10.4 degrees Celsius, while Batote recorded 6.5 degrees, Banihal 2.4 degrees and Bhaderwah 2.2 degrees.
The Srinagar-Leh highway and the Mughal Road have been closed to traffic, while traffic on Sinthan Pass in Anantnag, Razdan Pass in Bandipora and Sadna Top in Kupwara has also been suspended.
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