On Sunday, December 21, 2025, Kashmir saw snowfall in higher areas and rain in the plains as Chillai-Kalan, the 40-day harshest winter period, began. Gulmarg in Baramulla district recorded nearly two inches of snow. Snowfall started early in Sonamarg and continued for hours. Sadhna Top, connected to the Tangdhar sector near the Line of Control, received six inches of snow since Saturday night. Light rain began overnight in Srinagar and other parts of the Valley and is continuing intermittently. The weather department predicts more snowfall and rain in the next 48 hours. This precipitation breaks a long dry spell that caused many cough and cold cases especially among children and the elderly. Locals see the rain and snow on the first day of Chillai-Kalan as a good sign, hinting at plenty of snow ahead. Last year’s dry winter caused hardships for residents and tourism. Chillai-Kalan will continue until January 30, 2026. It will then be followed by Chillai-Khurd (small cold) and Chillai-Bacha (baby cold).