The first snowfall of the season brought joy and relief to Himachal Pradesh.
After months of dry weather, fresh snow covered Shimla.
The weather forced a closure of the Srinagar-Jammu highway. Flights were also cancelled for safety reasons.
With more snow and rain forecast, authorities have urged caution and advised residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel.
Key Points
- Shimla received snowfall after a three-month dry spell.
- Heavy snowfall was also reported in Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Budgam, Baramulla, Kupwara, Shopian, Pulwama and Bandipora.
- The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway is closed because of snow.
Season's First Snowfall In Shimla
IMAGE: Vehicles stuck in a traffic jam due to heavy snowfall in Shimla on Friday, January 23, 2026. All photographs: ANI Photo
IMAGE: People enjoy fresh snowfall, in Shimla, here and below.
IMAGE: Vehicles commute amid heavy snowfall in Shimla.
Snow Blankets Kashmir
IMAGE: People commute on a snow-covered road, in Srinagar, here and below.
IMAGE: People holding umbrellas walk on a snow-covered road as the city receives its first snowfall of the season, in Srinagar, here and below.
IMAGE: An aerial view of snow-covered houses in Srinagar.
IMAGE: Vehicles commute on a snow-covered road in Srinagar, here and below.
IMAGE: A man enjoys the snowfall as Poonch receives its first snowfall of the season.
Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff
Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff
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