Boileauganj, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India, 8 January 2017, 1115 hours:

The sky is almost clear today with some clouds drifting away. Many items of daily need are not available as the suppliers are not able to reach here. There is no electricity for the past two days, making all possible forms of heating equipments (generally electric appliances such as heaters and heat convectors) of no use. But still, people are somehow managing it in the cold by returning to the old methods that were used by our elders in the winters when no such facilities were available.

The cloud cover can be seen clearing over the Shimla city. People everywhere must be basking in the sun, just like I am right now. Animals such as dogs have dug the snow to curl up inside, and bear the winter cold sleeping it off in utter laziness. Steps are also being taken to clear the roads for people to walk easily. As the news of the snowfall spreads, more and more tourists are trying to reach here.

I also got the news that it has snowed more in these parts of Himachal than in Kinnaur (where it snowed just 5-8 inches) and other higher regions. This is very odd, as normally it snows in the higher regions first and then in the lower heights.

Shimla city hidden behind clearing clouds; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal

And it opens up soon enough; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal

Heat Conservation Mode; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal