Ess Yaseen

Srinagar December 21 (KNS): December 21st marks The beginning of "Chillai-Kalan" the harshest days of winter.
Chillai Kalan, is the 40-day period of harsh winter,begins from December 21 and ends on January 31 next year.

During Chillai Kalan, the weather in Kashmir valley continues to remain dry and cold with minimum temperatures hovering below the freezing point.

The most intense part of winter in Kashmir consists of three months, & divided into three parts called the Chilas. The Chillai Kalan, the Chillai Khurd and the Challai Bache.

The chances of snowfall are most frequent and maximum in chillai Kalan.The snow during this 40-day period freezes and lasts longer.Any snowfall after the chillai kalan does not remains long.

Since many years there has been more snowfall and cold during chillai khurd and chillai bachcha than during chillai kalan.

During this period, water bodies like lakes, river and stream get frozen with a thick layer of sheets.

In this period, snow gets frozen and it doesn't melt. People face trouble in this phase due to heavy snowfall and cold wind. It has been named Chillai-Kalan by our ancestors.

Earlier people used to drink water after melting snow. It is the coldest phase of winter From Feb, the atmosphere starts getting better," another local said.

Before starting of Chillai Kalan, people here start storing wood, coal and other products which are useful in producing warmth. Majority of the commuters prefer to be home before the sun sets(KNS).