Arshid Rasool
The famous term ‘Chillai Kalan’ as it is called by the locals in Kashmir has its Persian origin and it simply means harshest winter spell. In Kashmir during the 40 days of harshest winter spell from 21 December to 31 January, the minimum temperature settles below the freezing point across the valley. During the Chillai Kalan, Kashmir experiences maximum snowfall and rains. It literally means the Big Cold. With the advent of this winter spell, cold wave blankets the Himalayan region. There is a considerable decrease in the day and night temperatures. As the sub-zero temperatures persist, it leads to the freezing of the water bodies across the Kashmir valley. The freezing goes to the extent that people comfortably walk over the frozen water bodies. Children enjoy playing cricket, ice hockey and other sports over the frozen water ground. It is during the Chillai Kalan period, the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar looks beautiful in the frozen state. It becomes a special attraction for the tourist and the social media. Post the end of ‘Chillai Kalan’ in Kashmir on 31 January, the cold wave still continues. The period that follows after it is called ‘Chillai Khurd’ which is a 20 days long winter spell and it literally means Small Cold. Finally, the spell that follows ‘Chillai Khurd’ is a 10 day long ‘Chillai Bachha’ and its literal meaning is Baby Cold. After the last short period of the winter spell, another beautiful season, the Spring descends in Kashmir.
People in Kashmir resiliently face the odds during the winter season and survive the harshest winter period. The period is dry, covered with snow and no greenery is seen around. The native people mostly consume dried vegetable ‘Hokhe Suen’ and pulses during the winter period. The most common and traditional way to wade off the bone chilling and biting cold is the Kangri, the earthen pot with embers which people carry with them. The traditional clothing which Kashmiris use are ‘Pherans’. These long woolen coats keep them warm. They are designed in a way that ‘Kangri’ can be carried inside it by a person to beep warm during the winter season. The traditional Pheran over a period of time has got designer looks and has become a fashion trend as well. People going to office, moving out of their houses and students prefer to wear a designer pheran. A special and famous delicacy ‘Harisa’ prepared from lamb meat is cooked overnight and mixed with special ingredients to include the Kashmiri Saffron. It is the speciality of Downtown which is the historic old city of Srinagar. There are quite a few places in Downtown where one can get the finest of ‘Harisa’. This delicacy is also part of social gathering, occasion celebrations and festivities to relish with the family, friends and loved ones.
During the winters, people experience difficulties in keeping with the extreme conditions in daily life. There are few places in Kashmir which remain cut off from the mainland until April. There is an issue of electricity at places then people resort to the age-old methods to light their homes. The traditional Kangris are used by the people to keep themselves warm. In the winter season people weave carpets, wall hangings, make shawls, blankets and other embroidery materials. Candle making is also prevalent in the households. People sit together, enjoying the warmth of the Kangri, sip cups of Kashmir salt tea and listen to the anecdotes in a Kashmiri home. People resiliently live during the harsh weather conditions of Chillai Kalan, Chillai Khurd and Chillai Bachha. They merrily welcome the Spring season.
