Gulmarg, Dec. 22 -- Tourists enjoyed fresh snowfall in Gulmarg on Monday as the popular place was covered in a thick blanket of snow, turning the region into a picturesque winter destination and drawing visitors to the scenic beauty.

The 40-day period of severe winter cold in Jammu and Kashmir, known locally as Chillai Kalan, has commenced with rain and snow in many areas.

Chillai Kalan started on December 21 and will end on January 31. It is a period marked by sub-zero temperatures, frozen water bodies, and landscapes covered in frost and snow.

The region typically experiences significant snowfall, disrupting daily life. During this time, temperatures often drop to extremely low levels, leading to the freezing of water bodies, includi...