Srinagar gets its first snow of the season

Winter woes were compounded in north India as the intense cold wave kept people numb with mercury dipping further in the region.

Various state governments have ordered schools and colleges to remain closed during this bone chilling cold weather.

Wrapped in a thick white blanket, the beautiful Kashmir Valley got its New Year's gift as it experienced its first snowfall of the season. The snowfall has put an end to long dry spell in Kashmir and brought cheers on the faces people.

Disruptions in the normal life could be a small price for a white New Year in Kashmir. Tourists visiting the Valley as well as the local residents cheered alike for the snow.

Migratory birds fly over the snow covered Dal Lake after an overnight snowfall in Srinagar on Thursday. (PTI Photo)

A man walks on a snow covered road during a snowfall which began overnight in Srinagar on Thursday. (PTI Photo)

Snowfall was reported from parts of south and north Kashmir, including famous ski resort Gulmarg. Three inches of snow accumulated in south Kashmir's Shopian town, while two inches snow was recorded at Gulmarg, Damhal Hanjipora, Khag, Gurez and Yusmarg. (PTI Photo)

A man clears snow from the roof of his houseboat on the banks of River Jhelum after an overnight snowfall in Srinagar on Thursday. (PTI Photo)

A view of the snow-covered area on the periphery of the Dal Lake during a snowfall which began overnight in Srinagar on Thursday. (PTI Photo)

A man walks on the snow-covered road encircling the Dal Lake during a snowfall which began overnight in Srinagar on Thursday. (PTI Photo)

Tourists enjoy a Shikara (boat) ride in Dal Lake during snowfall which began overnight in Srinagar on Thursday. (PTI Photo)

A man walks on a snow-covered park during a snowfall which began overnight in Srinagar on Thursday. (PTI Photo)

A woman tourist prays before a snow idol of Lord Ganesh on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar on Thursday. (PTI Photo)

Drivers of stranded trucks wait for the opening of Srinagar-Jammu National Highway after the highway was closed due to heavy snowfall,at Jawahri Tunnel near Bannihal in Qazigund on Thursday. (PTI Photo)

India Gate is seen covered with fog in New Delhi during a cold morning. (PTI Photo)

Labourers warm their hands over a fire on a cold and foggy day on the outskirts of Jammu. (PTI Photo)

Securitymen perform their duty during bone chilling cold weather in New Delhi. Intense cold winds and poor visibility have disrupted the normal life in the national capital. (PTI Photo)