Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley awoke to a picturesque yet chilly sight today, September 28, 2025, as the first snowfall of the season blanketed the city and surrounding areas, marking the onset of Chilla-i-Kalan – the 40-day harshest winter period known for maximum snowfall and biting cold. Thick sheets of snow covered rooftops, roads, and the iconic Dal Lake, transforming the Valley into a winter wonderland and delighting locals and tourists alike. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Srinagar confirmed the light snowfall, with 2-3 inches in higher reaches like Gulmarg and Sonamarg, and flurries in the plains, bringing temperatures down to 2°C. IMD Director Mukhtar Ahmad said, “This early snow is typical for Chilla-i-Kalan, but we’re monitoring for more as the period peaks in December.”
Chilla-i-Kalan, starting November 1 and running until December 31, is a traditional Kashmiri term for the “40 days of great cold,” when the Valley sees the most intense weather, with snowfall chances at their highest. This year’s early arrival, a week ahead of usual, has brought joy to apple growers in Shopian and Pulwama, as the snow protects orchards from pests and ensures a good bloom next spring. In Srinagar, residents like those in downtown areas cleared paths with shovels, while children built snowmen in Nishat Bagh. The snowfall, after a wet August with floods, offers a fresh start, with the Jhelum River now frozen at edges, adding to the scenic beauty.
The weather shift has practical impacts. Schools in the Valley remain open, but parents are cautious, bundling kids for the cold commute. Traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu highway is smooth so far, but the Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police advised caution for slippery roads. Power outages, common in winter, are being mitigated with backup generators at key spots like hospitals. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, via X (@CM_JnK), shared a photo of snow-covered Raj Bhawan, saying, “Chilla-i-Kalan arrives with beauty and bite – stay safe, J&K.” The Tourism Department is promoting snow tourism, with Gulmarg’s gondola rides seeing a rush despite the chill.
For rural Kashmir, the snow means preparation – families stock woolens and firewood, while farmers cover fruit trees. The early fall could extend the winter, but it’s a welcome change from the floods that displaced thousands. IMD forecasts more snow in higher areas, with plains seeing rain. Srinagar’s markets are stocking hot kahwa and pherans, blending tradition with the season. As Chilla-i-Kalan unfolds, Kashmir’s resilience shines – snow may cover the ground, but the spirit warms the heart.