Breaking the long-stretched dry spell across the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, the iconic tourist destinations of Gulmarg and Sonamarg in the Kashmir Valley on Sunday witnessed the season’s first snowfall, coinciding with the onset of the 40-day harsh winter period known as Chillai Kalan.
(ANI Photo)
Breaking the long-stretched dry spell across the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, the iconic tourist destinations of Gulmarg and Sonamarg in the Kashmir Valley on Sunday witnessed the season’s first snowfall, coinciding with the onset of the 40-day harsh winter period known as Chillai Kalan.
Snowfall and poor visibility disrupted both air and road travel. At least twelve incoming and outgoing flights between Srinagar and New Delhi, Jammu, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Amritsar were cancelled due to snowfall and low visibility. Four flights between Jammu and Srinagar/New Delhi were also cancelled.
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However, flight operations at Leh airport remained normal, with seven arrivals and departures operating as scheduled.
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Snow accumulation led to the closure of the Srinagar–Ladakh highway, Mughal Road, Sinthan Pass, and several other hill routes, as many areas in the region were blanketed in thick snow. Gulmarg recorded more than five inches of snowfall by the afternoon.
Chillai Kalan, which begins on 21 December and continues until 31 January, is considered the coldest phase of winter in Kashmir. It is marked by sub-zero temperatures, intense cold waves, frozen water bodies, and frequent snowfall.
Fresh snowfall at Pir Ki Gali forced the closure of Mughal Road due to slippery conditions. Traffic Police advised travellers to avoid unnecessary journeys, stating that snow clearance operations would resume once the weather improves.
Ladakh’s Meteorology Director, Sonam Lotus, wrote on X: “A big relief from a prolonged dry spell!! Currently, snowing at most places of Kargil, Zanskar & over higher reaches of Jammu & Kashmir. Snowfall is very likely to intensify as the day progresses, with peak during afternoon to night.”
Welcoming the season’s first snowfall, Kashmir’s chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, wrote on X: “Alhamdulillah, Chillai Kalan greets us with much-awaited rain and snow! Allah’s blessing sent from the skies. ‘And We sent down from the sky blessed water…’ (Qur’an). A time to refresh our faith and prostrate in gratitude to our Creator for His countless mercies upon us.”
The upper reaches of the Jammu region also witnessed snowfall, with a cold wave sweeping across the area.
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