Kashmir Reels Under Sub-Zero Temperatures As Harshest Winter Period 'Chilla-i-Kalan' Begins. In Pics

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.

'Chilla-i-Kalan' is a 40-day period when a cold wave grips Kashmir and temperatures drop considerably.

With the mercury dropping several notches below the freezing point in several places, Kashmir's harshest winter period, 'Chilla-i-Kalan', began on Wednesday. The iconic Dal lake was found partially frozen with all the Shikaras covered in frost. (Source: Getty)

Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.2 degrees Celsius last night, officials said. As per MeT, the weather will remain mainly clear to partly cloudy. (Source: Getty)

The mercury settled at a low of minus 4.4 degrees Celsius in north Kashmir's Kupwara, minus 4.2 degrees Celsius in Qazigund and minus 2.4 degrees Celsius in Kokernag. (Source: Getty)

There is possibility of rains or light snowfall in some parts of Kashmir around Christmas, as per MeT. (Source: PTI)

'Chilla-i-Kalan' is a 40-day period when a cold wave grips Kashmir and temperatures drop considerably. As per MeT, mercury dropped to sub-zero level in several places across the Valley. (Source: PTI)

There are maximum chances of snowfall during this period and most areas, especially in the higher reaches, receive heavy snowfall. The image shows some female tourists taking selfies on the shore of Dal lake. (Source: PTI)

'Chillai-Kalan' will end on January 30. The cold wave continues even after that in Kashmir with a 20-day 'Chillai-Khurd' (small cold) and a 10-day 'Chillai-Bachha' (baby cold). (Source: PTI)