India, Dec. 22 -- After weeks of an extended dry spell, the Kashmir Valley has finally received its first major snowfall of the season, bringing much-needed relief and joy to both tourists and the struggling tourism sector. Since last evening, higher reaches including Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Pahalgam have been blanketed in snow, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland.

According to the Meteorological Department, snowfall is expected to continue over the next 24 hours, accompanied by rainfall in the plains. The onset also marks the beginning of Chillai Kalan, the harshest 40-day winter period known for sub-zero temperatures and frequent snow.

Tourist hotspots such as Gulmarg have already started seeing increased footfall, as vi...