While January brought slight relief to Himachal Pradesh from prolonged dry spell, weather conditions in the state are expected to remain dry in February.

As per the state’s meteorological department, there is a 35 percent to 55 percent probability that most parts of the state will witness below normal rainfall. However, there are also 30 percent to 40 percent chances that tribal districts Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti will receive normal rain in February.

The department has also forecasted that there is a 65 percent to 75 percent probability that minimum temperatures in most parts of the state will be above normal throughout the month.

Also, there is a 45 percent to 60 percent probability that maximum temperatures will also be above normal in most parts of the state.

Additionally, the state will also experience 15 percent to 25 percent less number of cold wave days in February as compared to average with the exception of isolated parts of Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, and Bilaspur Shimla districts, which will experience 30 percent to 50 percent lesser number of cold wave days during February.

Meanwhile, light snowfall and rain is very likely to occur in the middle and high hills of the state on February 3 while the weather will be dry in most parts of the state.

The department has forecasted dry weather conditions for the state till February 8. However, higher reaches are expected to experience light snow and rain on February 6.

The state also experienced light snowfall and rain in the last 24 hours. Kothi village in Kullu district received 15 cm snow, Kalpa 13.6 cm, Gondla 12 cm, Sangla 10.5 cm, Khadrala 7.5 cm, Jot 6.5 cm, Kukumseri 4.8 cm, Keylong 3 cm and Manali 2.5 cm.

Significant rainfall was also observed in the state during the past 24 hours, with Bhattiyat in Chamba district recording 21.2 mm rain, which was the highest in the state.

Sujanpur Tira received 18.4 mm, Dharmshala 16.3 mm, Rampur 14 mm, Jogindernagar 13 mm, Bhuntar and Sundernagar 11.6 mm each, Mandi 7.2 mm and Kangra 6.6 mm.

At the age of 90, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has won his first-ever Grammy in the Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording category at the 68th Grammy Awards held in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Reacting to the award, the Dalai Lama has said, “I view the award not as a personal triumph, but as a recognition of shared universal responsibility.”

He was awarded for his spoken-word album “Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama”, a project that blends his recorded teachings with contemporary and classical music to convey messages of peace, compassion and environmental responsibility.

The album edged out other nominees in the category, including Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli, US Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, Grammys host Trevor Noah and actor Kathy Garver.

“Meditations” is not a conventional music album but an immersive audio experience built around the Dalai Lama’s reflections on humanity, non-violence and shared global responsibility.

Several tracks address contemporary concerns, including climate change and conflict. In the track “Water”, the Dalai Lama reflects on environmental changes he has witnessed since his childhood in Tibet, while “Peace” focuses on compassion as a necessity for human survival.

The project features contributions from internationally renowned artists such as Rufus Wainwright, Maggie Rogers and Andra Day. Indian classical music forms its core, with sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan and his sons, Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, playing a central role in the compositions.

Produced by Kabir Sehgal, the album was curated after extensive review of the Dalai Lama’s speeches and conversations. Sehgal has said that the intention was to present timeless spiritual teachings in a contemporary soundscape that could resonate with younger audiences worldwide.

Released in August 2025 to mark the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, the album was lauded worldwide.

The spiritual leader did not attend the Grammy ceremony due to age-related travel limitations.

The Dalai Lama’s office in McLeodganj has described the honour as a recognition of the message rather than the individual.

Nearly four decades after being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the Grammy win adds a rare cultural milestone to the Dalai Lama’s global legacy.

Dalai Lama is currently in Mundgod in Karnataka where he went on December 12, for a 45-day spiritual retreat and is expected to come back to McLeodganj in the third week of February.

With a view to strengthening air connectivity and to promote high-end and time-sensitive tourism, the government has decided to operationalise regular flight services on the Delhi-Shimla and Shimla-Dharamsala routes.

The flights will operate seven days a week, with the state government providing financial assistance of Rs 31 crore per annum to ensure their sustained operation.

A government spokesperson said the enhanced air connectivity would give a major boost to tourism and contribute significantly to the overall economic development of the state.

“The initiative will reduce travel time, improve accessibility, and facilitate seamless movement for tourists, business travellers, and the general public,” he said.

He added that the reliable air services to Shimla and Dharamsala would also strengthen administrative functioning, enable faster medical evacuations and ensure timely response during emergencies and natural disasters.

The continued operation of these routes is a strategic infrastructure intervention aimed at promoting tourism and fostering long-term socio-economic growth. Subsidized regional air connectivity will benefit daily commuters, business travellers, and tourists alike.

He further stated that in addition to the three operational airports, the state has several helipads and is constructing heliports at every district headquarters and other major tourist destinations.

Recently, helicopter services have been launched from the Sanjauli heliport to Chandigarh and Reckong Peo, offering tourists a unique opportunity to experience the scenic beauty of the state.

Additionally, helicopter services on the Sanjauli-Rampur-Reckong Peo and Sanjauli-Manali (SASE Helipad) routes would also be started soon.

“The proposals for these routes have already been submitted to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for approval of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs),” he said.

Following heavy snowfall in Bharmour subdivision of Himachal Pradesh, a glacier collapsed and fell onto the Ot Nala area of Pulan Panchayat late last night, causing damage to property and triggering panic among local residents.

According to local officials, the glacier fell around 1.30 am, striking two pick-up jeeps and three roadside shops. Fortunately, no loss of life was reported, as the drivers had parked their vehicles and returned home earlier in the evening.

The two pick-ups, bearing registration numbers HP-38F-7066 and HP-73-8462, had transported goods from Bharmour and were parked near Ot Nala. The sudden glacier collapse pushed both vehicles, along with their goods, into a deep ravine. As of now, the vehicles have not been found.

Three shops belonging to Ghadlo Devi, wife of Jaihari Ram and a resident of Pulan village, also suffered extensive damages. One of the buried pick-up trucks belonged to her, while the other vehicle was owned by Bunty, also a resident of Pulan village.

Soon after the incident, teams from the local administration and police rushed to the spot. A search and assessment operation was under way to locate the buried vehicles and evaluate the extent of damage.

Pulan Panchayat chief Anita Kapoor confirmed the incident and said she reached the site to review the situation and coordinate relief measures.

Villagers said that a glacier of this size had collapsed in their area for the first time in nearly 50 years, creating fear and anxiety among residents.

The incident follows exceptionally heavy snowfall in the region. The area received 3 to 4 feet of snowfall on January 23 and 24, followed by more than two feet of fresh snowfall last night, during which the glacier collapse occurred.

The authorities have advised residents to remain cautious as unstable snow and glacier conditions continue to pose risks in high-altitude areas.

Heavy snowfall has completely paralysed normal life in the tribal district of Lahaul-Spiti, cutting off the region from the rest of Himachal Pradesh as all 290 roads in the district were blocked to traffic yesterday.

Continuous snowfall, accompanied by strong snow blizzards and freezing temperatures, has severely disrupted transportation, power supply and daily activities across the district.

According to Lahaul-Spiti DC Kunika Akers, a total of 74 roads have been blocked in the Lahaul division, 60 roads in the Udaipur division and 156 roads in the Spiti division.

All these roads are maintained by the Public Works Department (PWD). In addition, the strategically important Manali-Leh National Highway via the Atal Tunnel has been closed to traffic beyond Solang Nala, further isolating the Lahaul valley from the rest of the state.

With road connectivity completely snapped, residents have been forced to remain confined to their homes as intense snow blizzards sweep through the region. The temperature has plunged below the freezing point, intensifying the bone-chilling cold and making outdoor movement extremely risky.

Local residents reported that heavy snowfall has continued since daytime across the district. More than 20 cm of fresh snowfall was recorded at the district headquarters, Keylong, yesterday.

Including previous snowfall, around 75 cm of snow has accumulated on the ground in Keylong, crippling normal life and severely affecting essential services.

The snowfall has also impacted power infrastructure in the district. Six electricity transformers were disrupted in the Udaipur division, affecting power supply in the Tindi region and adjoining areas. Restoration work is expected to begin once weather conditions improve.

Meanwhile, Akers said the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Shimla, in its warning issued today, has predicted heavy to very heavy snowfall in the Lahaul and Udaipur sub-divisions of Lahaul and Spiti district.

In view of continuous snowfall and blocked roads, which could make the movement of students unsafe, the district administration has taken precautionary measures. Exercising powers under Section 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the DDMA has ordered the closure of all government and private educational institutions in the Lahaul and Udaipur subdivisions.

These include schools, colleges, ITIs, polytechnic institutions and Anganwadi centers. The institutions remained closed for a half day today and will remain closed for the full day on January 28.

The district administration has directed all department heads and heads of institutions to strictly comply with these orders. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and remain on high alert.

The district administration has appealed to the general public to strictly follow weather advisories issued by the DDMA, avoid unnecessary travel and cooperate with authorities until weather conditions improve.

Manali witnessed a timely rescue operation on Tuesday after two persons were found stranded in deep snow near the first snow gallery close to Dhundi on the Manali-Atal Tunnel road.

The duo had been stuck in the area since Friday morning following fresh snowfall that rendered the stretch beyond Solang Nala inaccessible.

According to Manali DSP KD Sharma, the rescued individuals were labourers who had unknowingly ventured beyond Solang Nala despite the road being officially closed due to adverse weather conditions.

Heavy snowfall in the upper reaches cut off their return route, leaving them stranded near Dhundi, where snow accumulation has reached approximately 4.5 ft.

DSP Sharma said the two men showed remarkable resilience while stranded in the harsh conditions. They were carrying blankets and some food supplies, which helped them survive the freezing temperatures.

To keep themselves warm, they also lit firewood at intervals. “Their presence of mind and basic preparations played a crucial role in ensuring their safety until help arrived,” he said.

The rescue operation was initiated on Tuesday after information was received via phone that two persons were trapped in snow near the first snow gallery at Dhundi.

Acting swiftly on the alert, a police team deployed for Atal Tunnel security immediately proceeded to the spot. Despite challenging conditions and heavy snow cover, the team successfully rescued both individuals and safely brought them towards Manali.

The rescued men were later identified as Rameshwar, a 28-year-old resident of Jharkhand, and Deepak, a 19-year-old resident of Uttar Pradesh. Both were reported to be safe and in stable condition after the rescue.

Interestingly, the police were alerted after a resident of Lahaul spotted the stranded labourers and informed the authorities, highlighting the importance of local vigilance in such extreme weather situations.

The police have once again appealed to tourists, labourers, and locals to strictly adhere to advisories and avoid travelling beyond permitted points during snowfall.

Authorities reiterated that roads beyond Solang Nala remain closed during such weather conditions to prevent accidents and life-threatening situations.

A dog, trembling with cold and exhaustion, sat firmly beside the lifeless body of 13-year-old Piyush Kumar; despite blizzards, freezing winds, and complete isolation, the animal had refused to abandon its young master

In the icy silence of the snowbound hills, where temperatures dipped dangerously low, and hope was fading with each passing hour, a silent story of loyalty unfolded—one that has moved an entire region.

Viksit Rana and Piyush Kumar went missing amid heavy snowfall when they hiked to Bharmani Mata Temple in Bharmour to shoot videos on January 23.

When rescue teams finally reached the spot on Monday where Piyush’s body was found, they were met with a heart-wrenching sight.

A dog, trembling with cold and exhaustion, sat firmly beside the lifeless body of 13-year-old Piyush Kumar. Despite blizzards, freezing winds, and complete isolation, the animal had refused to abandon its young master.

Stranded amid a thick blanket of snow, the dog survived for three days without food or water. While humans searched from the skies using drones and Army helicopters, the faithful companion stood guard on the ground—wordless, helpless, yet unyielding.

Rescue personnel said the dog showed no aggression or fear, only quiet determination. Even as the team approached, it remained close to the body, as if fulfilling a final duty.

Understanding the emotional bond, the rescue team airlifted both Piyush’s body and the dog together to Bharmour. Local MLA Dr Janak Raj later confirmed that the dog was safely rescued and handed over to the grieving family.

In a tragedy defined by loss and harsh nature, the dog’s unwavering presence has left an indelible mark—reminding everyone that loyalty needs no language, and love often speaks loudest in silence.

Honorary Captain Jagdish Singh, Vir Chakra, of Prithipur village near Gangath of Nurpur sub-division in Kangra district, stands immortal in the annals of India’s military history.

A veteran of four major wars —Indo-Pak 1948, Indo-China 1962, Indo-Pak 1965 and 1971 — he remains an enduring inspiration for generations.

His first remarkable feat came during the 1948 operations when, as a young soldier, he led a daring assault to capture a heavily fortified hill despite intense enemy fire.

However, it was in the Indo-Pak War of 1965 that Risaldar Jagdish Singh carved his name in history. Serving as a troop commander with the Central India Horse on the Amritsar–Lahore front, he played a decisive role in the fierce Battle of Barki.

On September 10, leading an advance tank troop in support of an infantry battalion, he pressed forward under heavy enemy fire. Even after his own tank was damaged by a landmine, he continued to lead fearlessly, directing his troops towards the strategically critical Barki bridge over the Ichhogil Canal.

His bold action thwarted the enemy’s advance, enabling the Indian Army to close in within 7 km of Lahore, compelling Pakistan’s surrender in the sector.

On the special recommendation of the then Chief of Army Staff, General Manekshaw, he was awarded Vir Chakra on September 10, 1965, in a ceremony presided over by the then President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Jagdish Singh’s valour remains a shining testament to Himachal Pradesh’s proud martial legacy — and to a soldier who forever upheld the nation’s honour.

Prithipur village of Gangath in Nurpur sub-division proudly remembers one of its finest sons, Hon Capt Jagdish Singh, whose life embodied the true spirit of Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan. A decorated Army officer and a devoted farmer, he passed away in 2013, leaving behind a legacy deeply rooted in service, sacrifice and love for the land.

He is survived by his 93-year-old wife, Bimla Devi, who for decades was known for her compassionate involvement in social work. Age, however, has gently withdrawn her from public life, and she now spends her days in quiet spiritual pursuits at home.

Their only son, Jasbir Singh, a retired Assistant Manager with the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC), continues to live in Gangath with his mother.

Born on October 30, 1927, to Man Singh and Banti Devi, his early life was marred by hardship. He lost his mother at the age of two-and-a-half years and his father during adolescence, leaving him to shoulder the family’s responsibilities alone.

He completed primary schooling in the village and walked 16 km every day to attend high school in Nurpur, owing to the absence of transport facilities.

Yet, adversity only strengthened his resolve to serve the nation. At 18, he joined the Indian Army on March 23, 1945.

Recalling precious memories of his father, Jasbir shares that after retiring from the Army, he dedicated himself to transforming the family’s ancestral land.

A passionate lover of nature, he planted citrus and mango orchards, sourcing saplings from a Pathankot nursery.

Today, the flourishing orchard stands as a living tribute to his labour. “The fruits we pluck each season feel like blessings from my father,” says Jasbir, his son.

Manali witnessed widespread disruption after an intense spell of snowfall brought traffic to a grinding halt on Friday, leaving hundreds of tourists stranded for hours along the Patlikul-Manali stretch.

In several areas, snowfall exceeded two feet, turning roads into icy traps and making vehicular movement nearly impossible, particularly on steep gradients.

Officials said the worst congestion was reported at multiple choke points, including the police station area, Volvo stand, Rangri, Tibetan School, Aloo Ground and 17 Mile.

Vehicles skidded uncontrollably on snow-laden roads, leading to minor collisions and damage. Tourist vehicles piled up across narrow stretches, compounding the chaos.

Ironically, despite peak winter conditions, hotels in Manali recorded relatively low occupancy of around 55-60 per cent, as a large number of visitors remained stuck on approach roads and could not reach the town.

The district administration remained on high alert throughout the night. Relief teams were deployed continuously to assist stranded tourists, distributing food and drinking water at vulnerable points.

Manali SDM Raman Kumar Sharma supervised relief and traffic management efforts on the ground, appealing to tourists to stay calm and cooperate with authorities.

By Saturday morning, operations were intensified. Snow clearance began in earnest on the national highway, the left-bank road and most internal roads within Manali town, which were largely restored.

Officials expressed hope that traffic would normalise soon, allowing stranded tourists to move ahead safely.

Amid the disruption, a tragic incident was reported on Friday when an ambulance carrying a heart patient remained stuck in a traffic jam near Rangri for nearly four hours.

The patient, Sushil Kumar of Dehan village in Una district, was being referred from Manali to Mandi but succumbed en route due to the prolonged delay.

Snowfall disrupted power and water supply in several areas. Authorities ordered the closure of all educational institutions on January 24 in the Banjar & Manali sub-divisions.

Meanwhile, 12 tourists stranded amid heavy snowfall in the Raghupurgarh-Sojha area of Banjar subdivision were safely rescued following the swift intervention of local residents.

Braving harsh weather, six locals reached the site and guided the group to safety. The tourists were later escorted towards Sojha and Jibhi, where conditions were relatively safer.

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu have congratulated people on Himachal Pradesh’s 56th Statehood Day today.

While the Governor praised the “Devbhoomi” for its rich cultural traditions and called for maintaining the spirit of harmony and hard work that defines the state’s identity, the CM said the day serves as a reminder of the state’s remarkable journey and the collective resilience of its people.

Reflecting on the state’s architectural and political heritage, the CM paid rich tributes to the visionary leaders who championed the cause of formation of Himachal Pradesh.

He specifically honoured the “Architect of Himachal”, Dr YS Parmar, along with other prominent personalities whose dedication and foresight paved the way for the state’s socio-economic development and unique identity.

Sukhu also expressed deep gratitude for the unforgettable contribution of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

He recalled the historic day of January 25, 1971, when, amidst a heavy blanket of snow at Shimla’s iconic Ridge Ground, she officially announced the grant of full statehood to Himachal Pradesh.

The CM called upon the citizens to draw inspiration from the state’s glorious past and contribute actively toward building a “Green and Prosperous Himachal”.

Life has been put on a standstill in Himachal Pradesh following a heavy spell of snow in the state during the last 24 hours. Hundreds of roads remained closed for vehicular movement and electricity supply was disrupted at thousands of places statewide.

As per the state Meteorological Department, Kothi near Manali received the highest snowfall at 105 cm during the past 24 hours, followed by Gondla in Lahaul and Spiti with 85 cm. Keylong received 75 cm, Khadrala in Shimla district 68.6 cm, Kufri 66 cm, Manali 45.8 cm, Shillaroo 45 cm, Kukumseri 41.4 cm, Jot 32 cm, Hansa 30 cm, Sangla 27.5 cm, Shimla 27 cm, Bharmaur 26 cm, Kalpa 16.4 cm and Sarahan 11.5 cm.

Several places in the state also witnessed heavy rain during the period. Dharampur in Mandi district received 91.4 mm of rainfall, followed by Solan (68.6 mm), Kandaghat (67 mm), Una (54.2 mm), Palampur and Nagrota Suriyan (53.2 mm each) and Nahan (51.9 mm).

Shimla, the state capital, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 0.5°C, while Dharamsala recorded 5.2°C. Manali recorded minus 0.4°C, Kangra 1.7°C, Mandi 4.3°C, Solan 1.8°C, Bilaspur 4.5°C, Hamirpur 3°C, Kalpa minus 3.8°C, Sundernagar 3.7°C, Bhuntar 2.5°C, Nahan 6.2°C, Paonta Sahib 8°C, Kufri minus 2.5°C, Narkanda minus 4.2°C, Reckong Peo 0.1°C and Tabo minus 6.5°C. Kukumseri was the coldest place in the state, recording a minimum temperature of minus 7.2°C.

While weather conditions are expected to remain dry in most parts of the state, heavy snow is likely to continue in the higher reaches today.

Meanwhile, government transport services were hit in Kangra district, with 58 bus routes suspended, after fresh snowfall in McLeodganj and surrounding villages of Naddi, Dharamkot and Bhagsunag on Friday night led to a sharp dip in temperatures and intensified cold wave conditions.

District Magistrate Hemraj Bairwa advised residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel to higher reaches and follow safety advisories due to the risk of road blockages and icy conditions.

Snow in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir and widespread rain in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi on Friday morning intensified cold wave in the region.

Himachal witnessed the first widespread snow of the season, ending a prolonged dry period of nearly four months.

Higher regions of Shimla district, including Chopal, Rampur, Narkanda, Khadapathar and Kufri, have been receiving snow since morning.

Road connectivity in the upper reaches of Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti was disrupted due to heavy snow. Vehicular movement was affected on key routes, including the Manali-Leh highway, Darcha-Shinkula road, and the road between Tandi and Kadu Nala. Mild snow was reported from Manali, Dagshai and Chail, while lower regions received rain.

In Dharamsala, minimum temperatures in tourist places like Naddi, Dharamkot, Bhagsunag and McLeodganj dropped to near-freezing levels. The popular Triund trekking site received snow. Strong winds on Thursday night disrupted power supply in some localities, though electricity was restored on Friday morning.

The rain has brought much-needed relief to farmers, especially wheat-growers, who had been stressed due to the prolonged dry winter. Tourism operators also welcomed the change in the weather, saying fresh snow and rain are likely to boost tourist inflow.

“Hotel occupancy in Dharamsala, Naddi, Dharamkot, Bhagsunag and McLeodganj had dropped to just 10 per cent. We are hopeful of better business in the coming days,” said Sanjeev Gandhi, president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association.

Meanwhile, Chandigarh and adjoining areas received rain on Friday morning, which brought down the temperatures.

Most places of Punjab and Haryana, including their joint capital Chandigarh, have been witnessing inclement weather since late Thursday night.

According to the local Met office, places in Punjab that received rain include Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Pathankot, Bathinda, Faridkot, Gurdaspur, Mansa and Rupnagar. Chandigarh was also lashed by heavy rain, with the minimum temperature settling at 10.9°C.

In Haryana, Ambala, Hisar, Karnal, Narnaul, Rohtak, Bhiwani, Sirsa and Sonipat received rainfall.

As per the Met department, Karnal recorded a minimum temperature of 12.6°C, Hisar 12.3°, Ambala 12°, Gurugram 13.5° and Sirsa 12.4°C.

In Punjab, Amritsar recorded a low of 11.5°C, Patiala 12°, Pathankot 11.4°, Bathinda 11°, and Faridkot 11.5°.

In Delhi, a long spell of dry winter weather ended as several parts of the city received the first rain of the year. Rain accompanied by thunderstorm and gusty winds also brought brief relief from high pollution levels.

The change in weather has been attributed to the season’s first intense western disturbance, the weather office said.

The air traffic to and fro Kashmir was suspended after flight operations were cancelled at the Srinagar airport due to bad weather, officials said.

“In view of continuous snowfall, accumulation of snow on operational areas, and the prevailing forecast of adverse weather en route, all flight operations at Srinagar airport stand cancelled for the day in the interest of passenger safety,” officials at the airport said. (With inputs from PTI)