Chillai Kalan-The Chillings Days Of Winter In Kashmir

Chillai Kalan is the period of time of extreme cold in Kashmir.This time of winter has three phases- Chillai Kalan which remains for 40 days, Chillai Khurd which remains for next 20 days, and the Chillai Bacha which remains for next 10 days.

Chillai Kalan, the toughest and the roughest time of the winter in Kashmir starts from 21st of December and lasts up to 21st January. It is the time when the land loses its life and the air and water are freezing cold. With Bone-Freezing waves extensive Snowfall at this time is considered to be a usual thing. This Snowfall adds glaciers to the mountains and later becomes a source of water for the locals.
According to a tradition, 21st December is celebrated as Shab-e Chelleh (Night Of Forty), which refers to the beginning of the first 40 days of Winter. It is believed to be the longest night of the season, but not scientifically proven. At this time the Sun appears at noon at its lowest altitude. The charm of Chillai Kalan is unique in itself. The onset of Chillai Kalan is celebrated by preparing 40 kinds of dishes, people are dressed in their traditional dresses and perform traditional dance forms like Dumhal.
The people of Kashmir face this tough time using their traditional remedies like – Pheran, Hamam, and Kangri, at their rescue. The food availability stresses them a little but their tradition way of frozen foods help them face this time with no trouble.

This year as well the ‘Chillai Kalan’ approached Kashmir on 21st of December with negative 13.8-degree temperature in Leh but did not bring snowfall in Srinagar. The weather analysis of Kashmir have also stated about the freezing of some water supplies in some parts of the valley, with freezing of some water bodies as well. The Dal lake has started to freeze, the traders who set up the floating market in the lake at the dawn find it difficult to move their boats. In order to save themselves from the harsh cold waves, the shops now open late in the morning at around 10 am. A survey also reports late arrivals at the offices. The Tourist spots like Gulmarg freezes during this time which effects the tourism of Kashmir.

In Chillai Kalan the sale of products like Kangri, Electric Blanket, and Pheran increases. Hamam is also a boon at this period of time. People are seen at the mosques, who go there to enjoy the warmth of Hamam and have a little gossip with their friends.
There is a saying of Chillai Kalan- ‘A garlic a day for a healthy stay’, referring to have a garlic every day as a precaution to stay away from the common effects of cold and be healthy.