Chillai Kalan- The Harshest 40 Days Of Winter In Kashmir, Know All About It

Despite all this, there comes a dreading 40-day period of harsh winter in Kashmir. This period is called Chillai Kalan and it starts on December 21 lasting till January 29 every year.

Chillai Kalan- The Harshest 40 Days Of Winter In Kashmir

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New Delhi: Kashmir's winters are truly unique, and the landscape transforms into a paradise. The entire valley is covered in a deep blanket of snow. Magnificent mountain peaks frequently provide exciting excursions, and partially frosted pine trees offer a breathtaking view of the surroundings. From the end of December to the beginning of March, Kashmir experiences winter, which ushers in a fresh ambience.

Snow-covered mountains, plains, and white-outlined trees, like those of Chinar, look beautiful and the area emanates an entirely new grandeur that replaces the allure of the colourful gardens. There are no words that can completely describe the beauty of sitting by a fire and taking in a glimpse of a countryside covered with snow.

What Is Chillai Kalan:

Despite all this, there comes a dreading 40-day period of harsh winter in Kashmir. This period is called Chillai Kalan and it starts on December 21 lasting till January 29 every year.

In Persian, Chillai Kalan is referred to as a serious cold. The cold wave reaches its peak when Kashmir's mountains are completely blanketed in snow for many weeks and the famed Dal Lake reaches freezing temperatures until the fag end of January.

Life Of Kashmiris During Chillai Kalan:

Chillai Kalan has an impact on the daily lives of the Kashmiris. Pheran and the conventional Kanger firing pot are used more frequently. During this time tap water pipelines partially freeze and heavy snowfall occurs in tourist destinations like Sonamarg and Gulmarg.

Sub-zero temperatures in the area force residents in the hilly areas to bring a huge quantity of firewood to their homes, where it will be burned and used for heating and cooking food. 

It is said that the snow in Kashmir refills the streams, rivers, and lakes during this time and lasts longer.

Celebrating Chillai Kalan:

Celebrating Chillai Kalan with scrumptious Harisa, which is a dish cooked with rice and lean mutton that has been spiced with salt, fennel, cardamom, and clove is a quintessential part of Kashmiri tradition, while the first day of Chillai Kalan is to be celebrated as ‘World Pheran Day'. When the Valley is cut off from the rest of the country, vegetables like beans, tomatoes, turnips, quinces, brinjals, and bottle guards become the staples of many meals.

Post Chillai Kalan:

Chillai-Kalan is followed by a 20-day long Chillai Khurd that occurs between January 30 and February 18 and a 10-days long Chillai Bachha which is from February 19 to February 28.