| Chillai-Kalan begins, Kashmir braces for 40 days of peak winter | | |  Early Times Report
Jammu, Dec 21: The 40-day harshest winter period in Kashmir, known as Chillai-Kalan, commenced on Sunday, marking the onset of peak winter conditions across the Valley. The beginning of the period coincided with the first snowfall of the season in several parts of Kashmir, particularly in the higher reaches.
Chillai-Kalan began with light snowfall in elevated areas and the possibility of light rain in the plains. The severe winter phase, which will continue till January 31, is traditionally marked by intense cold, heavy snowfall, frozen water bodies, and prolonged overcast skies, with daytime sunshine becoming a rarity.
During this period, temperatures often plunge well below the freezing point, testing the endurance of residents. In anticipation of such extreme conditions, people across the Valley make extensive preparations months in advance. These include stocking coal and firewood, arranging warm woollen clothing, and drying and storing vegetables and fruits to sustain themselves through the bone-chilling cold.
Notably, Kashmir had already been experiencing severe cold even before the official onset of Chillai-Kalan. Minimum temperatures dipped below freezing levels as early as November, creating Chillai-Kalan-like conditions ahead of schedule. Despite the cold, the Valley has witnessed an unusually prolonged dry spell over the past three months.
The extended dry weather has led to a drought-like situation in several areas, with water levels in major water bodies, including the Jhelum River, witnessing a significant decline. Air quality has also deteriorated, while the absence of precipitation has left people vulnerable to seasonal illnesses.
After Chillai-Kalan concludes on January 31, the Valley will enter a 20-day-long Chillai-Khurd (small cold) from January 31 to February 19. This will be followed by Chillai-Bachha (baby cold), a comparatively milder 10-day phase lasting from February 20 to March 2.
The term Chillai-Kalan is derived from Persian and translates to “major cold.” With the cold wave already tightening its grip, most parts of the Valley are currently recording below-normal temperatures. |
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