Watch: Chillai-Kalan Begins as Kashmir Sees Fresh Snowfall This Season

A fresh spell of snowfall in the higher reaches of Kashmir and widespread rain across the Valley on Sunday marked the onset of Chillai-Kalan, the harshest 40-day phase of winter.

The precipitation ended a nearly three-month-long dry spell, bringing cleaner air, rising hopes for tourism, and renewed optimism across the region.

First snowfall breaks long dry spell

The upper areas of Kashmir witnessed the season's first snowfall, while steady rain lashed the plains of the Valley. The weather change washed away suspended particulate matter from the air, offering much-needed relief to residents after weeks of dry conditions and poor air quality.

People suffering from chest-related ailments reported feeling better as the rain and snow helped settle dust in cities and towns. The improvement in air quality was widely welcomed, especially in urban areas that had been struggling with pollution-related discomfort.

Snow blankets Gulmarg and Sonamarg

Popular tourist destinations such as Gulmarg and Sonamarg also received their first snowfall of the season. With snow finally arriving, concerns over dull Christmas and New Year celebrations have eased, and hopes are high that tourists will arrive in large numbers to ring in the new year amid snow-covered landscapes.

Earlier this month, snowfall had already been recorded in some higher regions, including Zojila Pass, Minamarg and Baltal in Ganderbal district, but Sunday's spell marked the first widespread snowfall of the season.

Reservoirs replenished ahead of summer

Heavy snowfall during Chillai-Kalan plays a crucial role in replenishing perennial water reservoirs located in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir. These reservoirs sustain rivers, streams, springs and lakes across the region during the hot summer months, making the winter snowfall vital for long-term water security.

The beginning of Chillai-Kalan is traditionally seen as a positive sign and a precursor to ample snowfall through the winter, which supports both agriculture and hydropower generation in the region.

Temperatures rise due to cloud cover

Despite the onset of the coldest phase of winter, night temperatures across the Valley rose due to sustained cloud cover. For the first time this season, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 4 degrees Celsius. Gulmarg and Pahalgam recorded minus 1.5 degrees Celsius and 2.8 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Reacting to the changing weather, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that the administration is prepared to handle heavy snowfall. "Even if we face some hardships due to the snow, I don't think anyone should complain because we have been eagerly awaiting it," Abdullah was quoted as saying.

The 40-day Chillai-Kalan period is scheduled to end on January 30, after which the Valley will enter Chillai-Khurd, or small cold, followed by Chillai-Bacha, known as baby cold.