All You Need To Know About Chillai Kalan In Kashmir

OT Staff

What Is Chillai Kalan?

It is the local name for a 40-day period of the harshest winter in Kashmir. It starts from December 21 and lasts till January 29 every year.

The chillai kalan is a period of harshesh winter in Kashmir that lasts 40 days | Shutterstock

What Happens During This Time?

Nights are chilly and day temperatures remain in single digits, with minimum temperatures below zero. The chance for snowfall is extremely high and the snow that falls during this time freezes and lasts longer. It is this snow that replenishes the perennial reservoirs and glaciers that feed the rivers, streams and lakes in Kashmir during summer.

Snowfall in Gulmarg | Shutterstock

The Significance Of Chillai Kalan

Residents welcome the first day of Chillai Kalan by celebrating Pheran Day. Pheran is a loose woollen robe that locals don to protect themselves against the cold. Furthermore, Kashmiris make harissa (mutton dish) during this time.

A pheran is a loose woollen robe that Kashmiris wear to protect themselves against the cold | Shutterstock

What’s Going On This Winter?

Srinagar experienced its coldest December night in five decades at -8.5°C on December 21, according to the Indian Meteorological Department. The intense cold led to the freezing of several water bodies, including parts of the famous Dal Lake.

The Dal Lake in winter | Shutterstock

How Are Other Places In Kashmir Faring?

Kashmir's tourist town of Pahalgam recorded a low of -8.6°C, while Gulmarg recorded a low of -6.2°C. Konibal, a hamlet on the outskirts of Pampore town, was the coldest, with a minimum temperature of -10.5°C.

A view of the winter landscape of Pahalgam | Shutterstock

How Do People Keep Warm?

The use of wood-fired hamams, bukharis and the portable kangri skyrockets during this time. While many urban Kashmiris have bought electric heaters and modern appliances to deal with the cold, an erratic power supply makes their use unreliable.

A man keeps himself warm with a kangri | Shutterstock

Is Travel Affected?

Snowfall and icy roads can disrupt travel. Flights are inevitably cancelled or delayed due to bad weather during Chillai Kalan.

The chillai kalan can disrupt travel in the Kashmir Valley. Seen here is Shupyan | Shutterstock

What Happens After Chillai Kalan?

Once Chillai Kalan ends, the 20-day Chilla-i-Khurd occurs between January 30 and February 18, followed by the 10-day long Chilla-i-Bachha from February 19 to February 28.

A river in Sonamarg in winter | Shutterstock

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A view of the snow-capped Aru Valley | Shutterstock
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