‘Chilla e Kalaan brings ultimate chill along’
TDD Correspondent
Srinagar, TDD,The Kashmir Valley has been gripped by an intense cold wave as Chillai-Kalan, the harshest 40-day winter period, commenced on December 21. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, experienced its coldest December night in over three decades, with temperatures plummeting to -8.5°C.
This marks the third-lowest December temperature recorded in the city in the past 133 years, after 1990 and 1934.
Several other districts in South Kashmir recorded even lower temperatures. Shopian reported a frigid -10.4°C, Anantnag recorded -10.5°C, and Pulwama saw temperatures drop to -10.3°C, making them among the coldest areas in the valley. Meanwhile, Kulgam experienced a relatively milder but still freezing -6.8°C.
The biting cold has resulted in the freezing of water bodies across the region, including parts of the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar, and has disrupted the daily lives of residents. Locals have resorted to traditional methods of keeping warm, such as using kangris (traditional firepots), as the region prepares for what is expected to be a particularly harsh winter.
Chillai-Kalan, a Persian term meaning “Major Cold,” is known for its extreme weather conditions, including heavy snowfall, icy winds, and sub-zero temperatures. This period, lasting from December 21 to January 31, is followed by Chillai-Khurd (Small Cold), a 20-day period from January 31 to February 19, and Chillai-Bachha (Baby Cold), a 10-day phase from February 20 to March 2.
Historically, this season has significant cultural and environmental implications for the region. Heavy snowfall during Chillai-Kalan replenishes water sources for the summer months, ensuring the sustenance of rivers, lakes, and streams in the valley. However, it also brings challenges such as frozen water pipes, power outages, and limited mobility in snow-covered areas.
The ongoing cold wave has left locals bracing for further temperature drops in the coming weeks, with weather forecasts predicting the possibility of fresh snowfall in higher altitudes. Despite the hardships, residents of the valley embrace this season as a part of their cultural identity, preparing for the months of cold with resilience and warmth in their hearts. (TDD)
