Chillai Kalan Explained

Chillai Kalan or Chilla-i-Kalan (in Kashmiri pronounced as /t͡ʃilaj kalaːn/, Translation : forty days of intense cold)[1] is the local name given to 40 day period of harsh winter in Kashmir.[2] It is the coldest part of winter, starting from 21 December to January 29 every year. Chillai-Kalan is followed by 20-day long Chillai Khurd (in Kashmiri pronounced as /t͡ʃilaj kʰɔrɨd/, Translation : small cold) that occurs between January 30 and February 18 and a 10-days long Chillai Bachha (in Kashmiri pronounced as /t͡ʃilɨ bat͡ʃi/, Translation : baby cold) which is from February 19 to February 28.[3]

Weather

During this 40 day period in Kashmir, nights are chilly and day temperatures thrive in single digits. During Chillai-Kalan, the weather in valley of Kashmir continues to remain cold with minimum temperatures hovering below the freezing point. The snow that falls during this time period freezes and lasts longer. It is this snow that adds to the glaciers of the Valley and replenishes the perennial reservoirs that feed the rivers, streams and lakes in Kashmir during the months of summer. Any snowfall after the chillai kalan does not last long.

Etymology

Chillai Kalan is a Persian word which means Major Cold.[4]

Impact

Chillai Kalan affects the daily life of Kashmiris. Use of Pheran (Kashmiri dress) and a traditional firing pot called Kanger increases.[5] Due to subzero temperatures, tap water pipelines freeze partially during this period and the Dal Lake also freezes.[6] [7] Tourist resorts like Sonamarg and Gulmarg receive heavy snow.[8]

Cultural importance

See also

Notes and References

  1. Book: Snedden, Christopher. Understanding Kashmir and Kashmiris. 2015-09-15. Oxford University Press. 978-1-84904-622-0. en.
  2. Web site: 2020-12-21. Kashmir continues to shiver as 'Chillai Kalan' begins. 2020-12-22. Deccan Herald. en.
  3. Web site: 2020-12-21. Intense winter begins in Jammu & Kashmir with sub-zero temperatures. 2020-12-22. Hindustan Times. en.
  4. Web site: sofi. 2020-12-21. Chillai Kalan, Chillai Khurd, and Challai Bache. 2020-12-24. Kashmir Observer. en-US.
  5. Web site: 2021-01-07. The Pheran: Traditional Kashmiri Dress. 2021-01-09. Greater Kashmir. en-US.
  6. Web site: Srinagar shivers with falling temperatures, Dal Lake freezes - YouTube. 2020-12-27. www.youtube.com.
  7. Web site: Naqash. Rayan. 40 days of biting cold: Life during chillai kalan, Kashmir's harshest period of winter. 2020-12-22. Scroll.in. en-US.
  8. Web site: skiing in kashmir News and Updates from The Economic Times - Page 5. 2020-12-22. The Economic Times.
  9. Web site: As Chillai Kalan sets in, Kashmiris turn to 'Harissa' to keep themselves warm - YouTube. 2020-12-25. www.youtube.com.
  10. News: Ashiq. Peerzada. 2017-12-21. Harissa is a hot favourite in freezing Kashmir. en-IN. The Hindu. 2020-12-25. 0971-751X.
  11. News: Ashiq. Peerzada. 2020-12-21. Kashmiris welcome 'chillai kalan' with cool pictures. en-IN. The Hindu. 2021-01-03. 0971-751X.