How Kashmir Welcomed 'Chillai Kalan', The Valley's Harshest Winter Period
The weather in Kashmir's valley is chilly during Chillai-Kalan, with the lowest temperatures consistently hovering below freezing point. During this time, the snow falls, freezes, and stays longer.
Kashmir reeled under sub-zero temperatures as Chillai Kalan, the Valley's harshest winter period, started on December 21 and will last for 40 days. On Thursday, Kashmir recorded the lowest temperature of the season. Temperatures in several places dropped several notches below the freezing point, including in Pahalgam, Qazigund, and Kokernag in south Kashmir, Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla and Kupwara.
The famous Dal Lake froze after Srinagar witnessed the coldest night of the season on Wednesday, with temperatures falling to minus 5.5 degrees Celsius. The coldest region in Kashmir was in south Kashmir’s Awantipora, which recorded a temperature of minus 7.8 degrees Celsius.
Frigid conditions prevailed in Ladakh, with Leh recording a temperature of minus 12 degrees Celsius. Kargil saw the mercury dropping to minus 12.8 degrees Celsius and Drass recorded the lowest temperature in Ladakh at minus 18.4 degrees Celsius.
During Chillai Kalan, the nights are extremely cold and the daytime temperature remains in single digits. The mercury during Chillai Kalan consistently hovers below freezing point. During this time, the Valley sees heavy snowfall. This snow contributes to the Valley's glaciers and restocks the permanent reservoirs that provide Kashmir's rivers, streams, and lakes with water during summer.
Life In Kashmir During Chillai Kalan
During this period, people in Kashmir face a lot of harships because of frequent power cuts, availability of essential commodities and road blocks due to snowfall. It also has negative effects on the health of people, particularly among the elderly and those who already have ailments.
Additionally, the snowfall interrupts daily life and limits the movement of vehicles and pedestrians. The Srinagar-Jammu highway is not safe for travelling due to the bad weather, leaving many stuck outside the Valley.
Celebration Of Chillai Kalan 2022
Despite all this, people celebrate the 'Chillai Kalan' and the first day is known as World Pheran Day.
A day-long 'Chillai Kalan' festival was held on Wednesday in Pahalgam, thanks to the efforts of 'Vomedh', a local cultural organisation, in collaboration with the Jammu Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC).
According to the founder, 'Vomedh' aims to showcase the potential of Pahalgam, which is otherwise famous as a summer destination.
"Everyone knows we have worked throughout the year in Jammu and Kashmir. We held a Film festival, especially in Kashmir. We worked on the language. We held the event throughout the year. Our mentor Rakesh Roshan Bhatt Ji told us we will conclude the year's event by planning a festival on December 21 (Chillai Kalan starts on this day) in Pahalgam," Rohit Bhat, founder of Vomedh, told ANI.
Residents of Pahalgam, who mostly work in the tourism industry, welcomed the idea since it would increase winter tourism to the region.
According to a local, named Mohd Arif, "This festival is a very good initiative. Keeping in view the weather which changes during the winter. It is a good move to celebrate Chillai Kalan here. Through music, one can express oneself. Every kind of emotion is identified with a particular climate. Similarly, we celebrated the Chillai Kalan Festival this year."
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