Welcoming Chilla-e-Kalan, the harshest winter phase

Rayees Ahmad Kumar

The 40-day harsh winter period of Kashmir, popularly known as Chilla-e-Kalan, commenced on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, bringing with it a marked change in weather conditions across the Valley. The onset of Chilla-e-Kalan has coincided with a spell of fresh precipitation, offering relief from the prolonged dry, foggy and smoggy conditions that had led to deteriorating air quality in recent days. While the higher reaches of Kashmir received fresh snowfall, the plains witnessed intermittent rainfall, improving visibility and air conditions. Weather officials said the precipitation has helped disperse pollutants, leading to an improvement in overall air quality, particularly in urban areas that were grappling with dense fog and smog. Authorities have advised people to remain cautious, particularly while travelling to snow-bound areas, as Chilla-e-Kalan is known for severe cold, freezing nights and heavy snowfall. Chilla-e-Kalan, the coldest phase of Kashmir’s winter, will last for 40 days, followed by the milder periods of Chilla-e-Khurd and Chilla-e-Bachha. The season’s first snowfall has transformed Gulmarg – the main winter attraction and health resort into a winter paradise, rekindling the valley’s tourism sprit and winning the hearts of visitors from across the country. Tourists delighted by the snowfall and Kashmiri hospitality have appealed people nationwide to experience the charm, beauty and warmth of Kashmir. After a prolonged dry weather in valley, about ten inches of fresh snow blanketed the vast meadows of Gulmarg overnight, turning it into a picture-perfect destination. With the end of dry spell, the tourism stakeholders and adventure operators expressed hope for a good season ahead as they were much concerned previously. The Sadhna top, connecting North Kashmir’s Kupwara with the Keran valley witnessed about three feet of snow, the famous Razdan top also received more than one feet snow and the Bandipora Gurez road was soon declared officially as closed. Srinagar Ladakh road, Mughal road, Anantnag Kishtwar road and Machil Kupwara road, all were closed following a massive snowfall on upper reaches, while the plain areas recievd an intermittent spell of rains bringing minimum temperatures above the seasons normal and providing some relief to the people especially children and elderly. It is pertinent to mention that only a good snowfall can rejuvenate and recharge our already dried-up water resources such as rivers, rivulets, ponds, and lakes. It sustains life by ensuring the prospect of a healthy agricultural crop ahead. In the absence of adequate snowfall, or in the case of scanty snowfall, we experience even drinking-water shortages during the peak summer season. To overcome such challenges, it is of utmost importance that a substantial snowfall occurs, which would be nothing short of a blessing. When heaters, blowers, air conditioners, and other electrical gadgets fail to provide much-needed relief from the biting cold of Chilla-e-Kalan due to power shortages, the only device that comes to our rescue is the Kangri, which the inhabitants of Kashmir have been using for centuries. The Kangri is a clay vessel encased in a finely woven wicker framework, crafted by skilled artisans. Filled with glowing embers, it helps people keep their bodies warm during the harsh winter months. Meanwhile, in Kashmir, the celebration of International Pheran Say coincides with the onset of Chilla-e-Kalan on 21st December each year. This year also it was celebrated at winter capital Srinagar’s commercial hub Lal Chowk, where scores of locals and tourists gathered to celebrate International Pheran Day. Several people wore wore Pheran and carried Kangri to get attention from the public. Pheran is a traditionally knee length robe part of the unique identity of Kashmiri culture, a woolen gown worn for protection from cold during this harsh season. Down the memory lane, when I look back at my childhood, I recall that soon after the onset of Chilla-e-Kalan, my parents would strongly advise me not to venture out without wearing headgear, mufflers, and other warm clothes, as winters were far harsher some decades ago. Four to five feet of snow was recorded even in the plains. Children would gleefully play on slippery slopes, while some indulged in friendly wrangling by turning soft snow into hard, spherical balls. Facing winters in those days was truly a fascinating and unforgettable experience.