Chilla-e-Kalan starts with a bang in Kashmir: Snowfall in high altitude areas, rain in plains – relief after long drought

Srinagar. There was snowfall in the higher reaches of Kashmir and rain in the plains on Sunday. The onset of ‘Chilla-e-Kalan’, the harshest 40-day winter period in Kashmir, brought much relief to the people of the valley after a long dry spell. Snowfall occurred in Gulmarg in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, where about two inches of snow has accumulated, officials said here.

He said that snowfall started in Sonamarg located on the Srinagar-Kargil highway on Sunday morning, which was continuing till the last information was received. Sadhna Top, which connects Tangdhar sector near the Line of Control with the main Kashmir valley, has received moderate snowfall since Saturday night, resulting in accumulation of about six inches of snow. Officials said light rain started overnight in Srinagar and other parts of the valley and continued intermittently.

The Meteorological Department has predicted increase in snowfall and rain in the valley during the next 48 hours. The rains in Kashmir ended the long ongoing dry spell. Due to the dry period, there was an increase in cases of common diseases like cough and cold, especially among children and the elderly. The rain and snowfall on the first day of Chilla-e-Kalan is considered an auspicious sign by the local people and is considered a harbinger of good snowfall. Last year, due to dry winter, local residents and people associated with tourism had to face serious problems. The period of Chilla-e-Kalan (big cold) will end on January 30. After this there will be a period of ‘Chilla-e-Khurd’ (small cold) and ‘Chilla-e-Bachcha’ (mild cold).