The Dal Lake has begun to freeze over, after the harshest period of winter – Chillai Kalan – began on Saturday. Boaters were seen breaking the thin sheet of ice forming over the lake to row. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) the minimum temperature on Monday was recorded to be minus 3.

A severe cold wave has gripped parts of India, freezing water sources in Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir, and prompting weather alerts. The onset of "Chillai Kalan," a harsh winter period, has led to Srinagar experiencing its coldest December night in five decades.

Srinagar's Dal Lake froze over on Monday as a severe cold wave gripped Kashmir, forcing boat operators to break ice to navigate. Temperatures plummete

The surface of Dal Lake freezed as intensifying coldwave grips Kashmir Valley. As per the IMD, the maximum temperature is 7°C and the minimum is -7°C. People sit by a bonfire to keep themselves warm.