Chillai-Kalan

About Chillai-Kalan:

• It is the 40-day period of the harshest winter cold in Kashmir region.
  • Chillai Kalan is a Persian term which means “Major Cold”.
• The Chillai Kalan (big cold) usually begins on December 21 and will end on January 30.
  • Chillai Kalan is followed by ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold)– a 20-day period of moderate winter from January 31 to February 19, and the 10-day ‘Chillai-Bacha’ (baby cold), towards the fag end of the winter season from February 20 to March 2.
• Cultural Significance: According to Persian tradition, the night of 21st December is celebrated as Shab-e Yalda-“Night of Birth”, or Shab-e Chelleh. – “Night of Forty”. 
• Impacts of Chillai Kalan:
  • During this time Kashmir Valley faces its harshest phase of the winter season, including widespread snowfall, sub-zero temperatures and intense cold waves.
  • Traditionally, heavy snowfall during Chillai Kalan replenishes water reservoirs in the higher reaches, sustaining rivers, streams and lakes during the summer months.