If you’re on the travel side of Instagram just like us, you must’ve come across this term ‘Chillai Kalan’. The two-word term is gaining more and more attention and it’d only make sense for us to write on it. To begin with, Chillai Kalan is a period of 40 days where the state of Jammu & Kashmir, and some parts around it experience intense cold. Temperatures start plummeting down and the region experiences its heaviest snowfall. In fact, many lakes and water reservoirs freeze and the state becomes a winter haven. Here’s everything you need to know about this icy period of Chillai Kalan!
Everything That You Need To Know About Chillai Kalan
- What is Chillai Kalan?
- What Does Chillai Kalan Mean?
- How Are Chillai Kalan And Snowfall Related?
- Cultural Importance Of Chillai Kalan
What Is Chillai Kalan?
Chillai Kalan or Chilla-i-Kalan is a local term referring to the 40-day period of intense cold in Kashmir. It is generally considered the coldest period of winter, with minimum temperatures plummeting well below the freezing point. This period usually lasts from December 21st to January 31st.
The Chillai Kalan is celebrated on the first day as the International Pheran Day. For those unversed, it is a traditional Kashmiri outfit consisting of two parts. Think of something similar to a thick robe and a shawl of wool. Locals also celebrate the 40-day period with some great food. Traditional delicacies such as Harisa – a middle eastern and Armenian dish is made by boiling, cracking, or coarsely grounding bulgur (cracked wheat) and then mixed with meat and seasonings.
What Does Chillai Kalan Mean?
Moving on to the etymology, the word has some interesting roots embedded in the Persian language. In Persian, ‘Chehel’ means ‘forty’, while ‘Kalan’ translates to ‘grand’. The term has seemingly evolved from the combination of these words that translates to the ‘grand forty’.
Interestingly, the Chillai Kalan is followed by a small period of Chillai Khurd (khurd = small in Persian) that lasts from January 31st to February 18th or 19th. Following that is the Chillai Baccha (baccha = kid). This is the period that is referred to as the ‘baby cold’ and lasts till the first few days of March.
How Are Chillai Kalan And Snowfall Related?
During this time of intense cold, minimum temperatures soar down below zero, and are only sometimes decently above the freezing point. The snow that falls during this period is the snow that replenishes perennial water reservoirs and glaciers. These water bodies keep rivers flowing, ensuring there is adequate water supply after the ice starts melting.
Also, this snow lasts longer than snow during other smaller periods. Once Chillai Kalan is over, snowfall starts reducing in the valley and then it’s time for Kashmir’s pleasant spring and summers.
You’ll be surprised to hear that many water pipes and lakes freeze during this period. There are plenty of videos online showing local Shikara boatsmen navigating their way through the frozen lake by breaking apart the ice with their oars and even their entire Shikara! During this time, many lakes, including the iconic Dal Lake wrap themselves in a layer of snow and freeze.
Cultural Importance Of Chillai Kalan
The intense 40-day period of snow is not just a climatic phenomenon, but also holds cultural importance in the lives of Kashmiri people. As mentioned earlier, the first day of Chillai Kalan is celebrated as Pheran Day. People start dressing up in cozy pherans, and we could only wish we got a chance to wear them. Many popular attractions like the Dal Lake freeze, resulting in an influx of tourists from across India visiting Kashmir to experience it in its frozen state.
On December 21st, 2024, the state recorded its coldest December night in almost 30 years, as per Greater Kashmir. Yes, you read it right! Temperatures plummeted down to a freezing -8.5°C. While Mumbaikars and Delhiites rejoice in quarreling which city’s colder, Kashmir is dipping down in the negatives just as casually!
Summing Up
Chillai Kalan is a 40-day period of intense cold and snow where temperatures shy away from rising above the freezing point. However, beyond the natural phenomenon lies a more layered and culturally relevant period for the Kashmiri people. A period that is marked with Pherans stepping out of the closet and warm, delicious food being served on dining tables.
FAQs
What Comes After Chillai Kalan?
The period immediately after Chillai Kalan is known as the Chillai Khurd, and lasts for some 20 odd days. This is usually from 30 or 31st January to 18 February.
Which Is The Coldest Month In Kashmir’s Winter?
January is known as the coldest month in Kashmir’s winter, with temperatures going well below the freezing point.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Kashmir?
The best time to visit Kashmir is between the months of March and October. During this time, the weather is pleasant and the crowd is manageable. However, if you wish to experience Kashmir’s snow, you should visit the state in November, December, or February.
