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