The much-anticipated Chillai Kalan, Kashmir's 40-day period of intense winter, finally ushered in the season's first widespread snowfall on Sunday, December 21, 2025. This natural event brought immense cheer to the region, effectively breaking a stubborn dry spell that had persisted for over a month and a half since early November.
White Blanket Covers Tourist Hotspots
The transformation was most visible in the Valley's upper reaches. Popular destinations like Gulmarg and Sonamarg woke up to a fresh layer of snow, much to the delight of tourists. Meteorological data indicated that Gulmarg received approximately five inches of snow by Sunday evening, while Sonamarg saw an accumulation of 3 to 4 inches. The snowfall was even heavier in the high-altitude passes. Both the Sadhna Pass, connecting Kupwara with Karnah near the Line of Control, and the Razdan Pass, linking Bandipora to Gurez valley, recorded around eight inches of snow.
Simultaneously, the plains of Kashmir experienced widespread, intermittent rainfall throughout the day. According to Mukhtar Ahmad, the Director of the Meteorological Office in Srinagar, the weather system responsible for this change was weakening. He indicated that the intensity of rain and snow would gradually decrease, though some plains in north Kashmir might still see snowfall. Ahmad also forecast a potential brief spell of rain or snow on Monday forenoon, with no major weather activity expected until December 30.
Respite from Cold and Travel Disruptions
The precipitation brought a crucial respite from the biting cold that had gripped the Valley, particularly at night when temperatures had fallen several degrees below freezing. However, the welcome snow also led to immediate travel disruptions. Several vital high-altitude roads were temporarily closed for vehicular traffic due to snow accumulation and adverse weather conditions.
Officials confirmed that the Kupwara-Karnah road via Sadhna Pass and the route to Gurez valley via Razdan Pass were shut. Traffic on the Mughal Road, connecting Shopian in south Kashmir to Baffliaz in the Pir Panjal range, was also halted. Air travel was significantly impacted, with operations at Srinagar International Airport facing major hurdles. Of the 19 scheduled flight arrivals for Sunday, only five managed to land.
Ending a Prolonged Dry Phase
The snowfall and rain marked a critical end to a prolonged dry spell that had begun in the first week of November. This extended period without precipitation had led to the worrying drying up of numerous streams and water bodies across the Kashmir Valley. The arrival of Chillai Kalan's signature winter weather is thus seen as vital for agriculture and the replenishment of water resources in the region, despite the temporary inconveniences it causes.
