SRINAGAR, Jan 29: Over the past 24 hours, there has been light snowfall in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir, yet the plains of the valley continue to await this season’s ‘Nav Sheen.’ Traditionally, the first snowfall in winter is a significant event for Kashmiris, marked by greetings and the exchange of winter food gifts among friends and relatives. Children, during this time, engage in building snowmen and participating in snowball matches.
The initial snowfall is termed ‘Nav Sheen’ (New Snowfall), and the customary greeting exchanged on this occasion is known as ‘Nav Sheen Mubarak.’ However, as the 40-day period of severe winter cold, known as ‘Chillai Kalan,’ comes to an end tomorrow, the plains have not witnessed any snowfall so far.
The absence of snowfall in the plains is notable as the minimum temperature has already risen considerably in the valley and Jammu division, diminishing the likelihood of heavy snowfall this winter. Today, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 3.6 degrees Celsius, Gulmarg had minus 3.2, and Pahalgam recorded 0.7 degrees. Leh town reported a minimum temperature of minus 5, while Kargil had minus 6.6 as the night’s lowest temperature.
In Jammu city, the minimum temperature was 9.3 degrees Celsius, Katra recorded 9 degrees, Batote had 5.1 degrees, Bhaderwah reported 3.2 degrees, and Banihal recorded 4 degrees. The anticipation for the much-awaited ‘Nav Sheen’ continues, as residents hope for the magical touch of snow in the plains before the end of the winter season.
