Kashmir's Chilla-i-Kalan Begins: Snowfall Ends Dry Spell, Revives Tourism & Water Hopes

• Kashmir's 40-day harsh winter, 'Chilla-i-Kalan', has begun with significant snowfall, ending a three-month dry spell.
• Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Sadhna Top, Rajdan Pass, and Sinthan Pass received snowfall; Gulmarg recorded two inches.
• The snowfall has revived hopes for tourism, especially for Christmas and New Year celebrations, after last year's dry winter.
• Crucially, heavy snowfall during Chilla-i-Kalan is vital for replenishing perennial water reservoirs in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Traffic on Srinagar-Leh National Highway and other passes like Sadhna Top, Rajdan Pass, and Sinthan Pass has been halted.

Why It Matters: Kashmir's Chilla-i-Kalan brings vital snowfall, ending dry spell, boosting tourism and water reserves.