‘Chillai Kalan’ – harshest period of winter – begins in Kashmir

Srinagar: Intense cold wave conditions continued through Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as the harsh winter period of ‘Chillai Kalan’ started on Monday, December 21st.
Chillai Kalan is the 40-day period of harsh winter that begins from December 21 and ends on January 31 next year.

During Chillai Kalan, the weather in Kashmir valley continues to remain dry and cold with minimum temperatures hovering below the freezing point.

The most intense part of winter in Kashmir consists of three months, & divided into three parts called the Chilas. The Chillai Kalan, the Chillai Khurd, and the Challai Bache.

The chances of snowfall are most frequent and maximum in chillai Kalan. The snow during this 40-day period freezes and lasts longer. Any snowfall after the chillai Kalan does not remain long.

For many years there has been more snowfall and cold during chillai Khurd and chillai bachcha than during chillai kalan.

During this period, water bodies like lakes, rivers, and streams are frozen with a thick layer of sheets.

In this period, snow gets frozen and it doesn’t melt. People face trouble in this phase due to heavy snowfall and cold wind. It has been named Chillai-Kalan by our ancestors.

Earlier people used to drink water after melting snow. It is the coldest phase of winter From Feb, the atmosphere starts getting better,” another local said.

Before starting Chillai Kalan, people here start storing wood, coal, and other products that are useful in producing warmth. The majority of the commuters prefer to be home before the sun sets.