Chillai Kalan
Why News?
In Kashmir, a 40-day period of extreme winter weather known as Chillai Kalan has started.
KeyPoints
About:
- Kashmir experiences its harshest winters from December 21 through January 29, every year.
- Major cold is what the Persian phrase “Chillai Kalan” denotes.
- The 20-day Chillai Khurd (small cold), which lasts from January 30 to February 18; and the 10-day Chillai Bachha (baby cold), which lasts from February 19 to February 28; all follow Chillai-Kalan.
- For Kashmiris, the 40-day period is extremely difficult because of the extreme temperature drops that cause water bodies, like this region’s famous Dal Lake, to freeze.
- The likelihood of snowfall is greatest during these 40 days, and the high temperature drops significantly. In the Valley, the minimum temperature is frequently below freezing.
- Impact on Kashmiris’ Daily Lives: Increased use of Kanger, a traditional firing pot, and Pheran, a type of Kashmiri clothing.
- Due to the extreme cold, famous Dal Lake and tap water pipelines partially freeze during this time.
- Harissa, a delectable dish made of lean mutton mixed with rice and spiced with fennel, cardamom, clove, and salt, is a traditional celebration food in Kashmir.
- Additionally, they frequently eat dried vegetables because fresh supplies are scarce due to road blockages after heavy snowfall.