Severe Winter "Chillas" of Kashmir India

Severe Winter "Chillas" of Kashmir India

(All the images are subject to IPR)

Kashmir has three months of severe winter. It has been divided into three parts called Chillas.

Image (C) Dr Ajay Kumar Ojha

1. Chillai Kalan : 

This is the forty day period of harsh winter. Harshest winter visits valley from 21st December and continues upto 31st January next year.

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

The chances of snowfall are most frequent and maximum during Chillai Kalan. It mostly remains overcast during this period.

Traditionally many families would prepare 'Shebdeg' on the first day of Chillai Kalan. A fat duck would be cooked with spices and turnips in an earthen vessel.

Image (C) Dr Ajay Kumar Ojha

  

2.Chillai Khurd (Small cold):

 Chillai Kalan is followed by a twenty day long period Chillai Khurd. It occurs between 31st January and 19th February.

3. Chillai Bachha (Baby cold):

Chillai Khurd is followed by a ten day long period Chillai Bachha. It comes on 20th February and continues upto 2nd March.