Long-awaited snow has fallen in the capital of Turkmenistan. The first truly heavy snowfall of the new year 2026 covered the city on the night of January 20–21. Precipitation is still continuing, wrapping the streets in a white shawl and bringing sincere joy to residents and visitors alike. A soft fog hangs over the city, adding a touch of mystery to the landscape.

Donning its winter attire, white-marble Ashgabat was transformed in just one day into the setting of a magical fairy tale.

Today all the streets are blanketed with a fluffy layer of snow. Children, unable to hide their delight, hurry into courtyards to play snowball fights and build snowmen. Adults are no less pleased. Many deliberately choose walking routes to enjoy longer this weather so rare for our region. Snowfall in Turkmenistan is an exceptional event, so everyone tries to capture the moment in photographs—after all, tomorrow this winter miracle may melt away.

The “15 Years of Independence of Turkmenistan” Park has been especially transformed. Here the snow has settled in a perfectly even sheet, turning the alleys into a symbol of purity and renewal.

While most birds have chosen to hide from the cold, Indian ring-necked parakeets (rose-ringed parakeets, Psittacula krameri) have become the main heroes of the day. Bright green birds circle above the parks, either rejoicing at the sudden changes or protesting the whims of nature. It seems incredible that just a couple of days ago the city was enjoying almost spring-like warmth, and today it is a true, full-fledged winter.

Softly falling flakes have erased the boundaries between sky and earth, turning familiar avenues into a wondrous world as if lifted from a New Year’s postcard. At moments like these, the city seems to freeze, and a kind smile appears on passersby’s faces all by itself. This first snow became a special gift from nature, reminding each of us that a miracle can happen suddenly—simply by beginning to fall from the sky on an ordinary January morning.