The five-year term for the previous panchayat bodies in the state ended in July last year at a time when Kashmir was facing turmoil following the killing of militant Burhan Wani.
The celebrations began with midnight mass prayers in Churches in summer capital, Srinagar, which recorded the coldest night of the season at minus 4. The church was decorated with colourful buntings and balloons and wore a festive look.
The two women arrived in the capital via Dubai in a commercial flight and are expected to leave soon after the meeting where they will be accompanied by Singh.