Mukhtar Ahmad Qureshi
During winters, Kashmir transforms into an icy wonderland, the harsh yet the most bewitching Chillai Kalan. This 40 day period from 21st December to 31st January is synonymous with biting cold, snowcovered landscapes, and frozen rivers and lakes. While this increases the charm of the beauty of Kashmir, it asks for strong will power and preparations for the challenges it has to offer.
Importance of Chillai Kalan
The term “Chillai Kalan” has its origin in the Persian language, where the word “Chilla” signifies a period of 40 days. This is when Kashmir experiences the most intense period of winter, as temperatures may drop to subzero, sometimes even going as low as -10°C in some areas. After Chillai Kalan comes two relatively milder phases: Chillai Khurd, 20 days, and Chillai Bachha, 10 days, bringing gradually warmer days.
Snowfall occurs frequently during Chillai Kalan, covering the valley in white. Famous destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg become winter wonderlands and attract tourists and adventure seekers to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and sledging. Although this period makes the region even more beautiful in terms of natural beauty, it does greatly affect the daily lives because of extreme weather conditions.
Life during Chillai Kalan
In most regions of Kashmir, Chillai Kalan is beyond a seasonal term; rather, it represents a survival test by adaptability and endurance, with the harsh cold encroaching in every fold of life. It marks all routines and practices so deeply that all water reservoirs, for example Dal Lake and River Jhelum, only partially are above frozen, resulting in diverse tasks among the population. Such an environment generally makes most of the pathways slippery due to wet roads, which sometimes puts far-flung villages inside complete isolation.
Despite the many adversities, this phase is known for warmth and hospitality in Kashmiri homes. Families huddle around a kangri (portable fire pot) to keep themselves warm, and the dishes become comforting with hot Kahwa and hearty harissa (a traditional mutton preparation). These cultural attributes are deeply intertwined with how the region copes up with the severe cold.
Difficulties in Chillai Kalan
The intense cold and heavy snowfall pose several challenges to life and infrastructure in Kashmir during Chillai Kalan.
1. Disruption in daily life: Snowfall often blocks roads, halting transportation and disrupting daily activities. Public services, including electricity and water supply, frequently face interruptions due to freezing conditions.
2. Health risks: Extreme cold exposure raises the risk of diseases like hypothermia, frostbite, and respiratory problems. Some of the vulnerable groups in this regard are children and aged people.
3. Impact on agriculture: The frozen temperature impacts agriculture as fields remain covered with snow. Livestock also demands special care to survive.
4. Isolation: Remote areas often get disconnected from main towns, and they cannot access medical facilities and food supplies and other vital things.
5. Economic impact: The extreme weather conditions cause a slowdown in economic activities, especially in agriculture, transport, and dailywage labour.
Precautions during Chillai Kalan
To survive Chillai Kalan safely and comfortably, one needs to take several precautions. Kashmiri households have developed a range of traditional and modern strategies to face this challenging season.
1. Winter clothing and insulation: Warm clothing should be invested in to avoid this biting cold. Woolen layers, thermal wear, and insulated footwear are required. Pheran, being traditional Kashmiri attire, can prove very warm. Insulation of houses will ensure the retention of heat; windows and doors must also be sealed to block the entry of cold air.
2. Effective heating mechanism: Though the kangri is still a traditional icon, electric heaters, blowers, and heating pads have dominated the market these days. For places not getting constant power supply, wood or coal stoves are used for heat generation, but proper ventilation must be maintained to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
3. Health and hygiene: Extreme cold can compromise health. Proper hydration with a healthy diet and constant indoor exercise are important. Consume hot beverages like salted tea noon chai or kahwa to keep the body heated. Special care should be taken while children and elderly family members are protected from colds.
4. Preparedness for emergencies: It is a common practice in Kashmir to stock up on essentials like food, water, medicine, and fuel before Chillai Kalan begins. Emergency kits with first aid supplies, flashlights, and batteries are also essential. For those in remote areas, arranging backup power sources and alternative heating options is critical.
5. Safe travel practices: Travelling in Chillai Kalan time is to be cautious with the roads due to the blanket of snow cover and lack of visibility. Chains should be put in vehicle tyres, shovel should be there along with advance checking of weather news. If possible, such journeying should be avoided in high snowfall
6. Livestock and agriculture protection: Farmers as well as livestock owners also need to take extra precautions toward their livestock and crops. Livestock should also be sheltered, fed suitably, and provided clean drinking water. Mulching and removing snow from fields can prevent damage to the crops.
7. Support from community: Chillai Kalan mainly makes the community support point quite often. Neighbours’ as well as communities come out together to help each other out from the snow, distribution of resources, and every basic thing for everyone available and accessible. Despite all these, the people of Kashmir have managed to keep up with this season remarkably well. It is not about just surviving the chill, but also celebrating the valley’s exclusive beauty and cultural heritage. Whether they are narrating stories or enjoying local dishes, people celebrate this period as it becomes a time for everybody to come together.
Tourism also flourishes during this time, with visitors thronging to witness the snowclad beauty of Kashmir. Though this season is harsh, it adds to the mystique and charm of the region, leaving a long-lasting impression on anyone who experiences it. Chillai Kalan, with its freezing temperatures and snow-covered landscapes, is a defining feature of Kashmir’s winter. It tests their resilience, but at the same time, it brings the people closer together and to the spirit of unity with endurance. This cold harsh season brings hope among the people of Kashmir; they take all the precaution and embrace the traditions and customs passed down from generations as an opportunity to celebrate this special culture. Ultimately, Chillai Kalan is a reminder of the grandeur of nature and the indomitable spirit of those who call this paradise their home.
(The author is a teacher by profession and can be reached at [email protected])
