Snow, rain in higher reaches of Kashmir as ‘Chillai-Kalan’ checks in

Sunday, December 21, 2025 saw snowfall in the highlands of Kashmir and rain in the plains; ‘Cillai-Kalan’ (severe cold), the harshest winter period of 40 days, provided much-needed respite to the people of the Valley after prolonged drought.

Officials in Srinagar said snowfall was reported at the tourist resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, when nearly five inches of snow accumulated.

Snowfall in the tourist resort of Sonamarg on the Srinagar-Kargil highway started early on Sunday morning, December 21, and continued till the final reports were received, officials said.

Sadhna Peak, the pass connecting the Tangdhar sector to the main Kashmir Valley along the Line of Control, received moderate snowfall with six inches of snow accumulating since Saturday night (December 20).

Light rains began overnight in Srinagar and elsewhere in the Valley and continued intermittently, officials said.

The Ministry of Meteorology predicts that snowfall and rain will increase in the valley in the next 48 hours.

Rains in Kashmir ended a long drought period, leading to an increase in common ailments such as cough and cold, especially among children and the elderly.

Rain and snow on the first day of Chillai-Kalan is locally considered a good omen and a harbinger of abundant snow.

Last year’s dry winter caused serious problems for local residents and tourism players.

The Chillai-Kalan period will end on January 30, 2026. This will be followed by ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (mild cold) and ‘Cillai-Bacha’ (baby flu).