Chillai-Kalan Latest News
Recently, Kashmir braces for a spell of rain and snowfall and the region is also set to enter ‘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.
- During this time Kashmir Valley faces its harshest phase of the winter season, including widespread snowfall, sub-zero temperatures and intense cold waves.
- 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
- Traditionally, heavy snowfall during Chillai Kalan replenishes water reservoirs in the higher reaches, sustaining rivers, streams and lakes during the summer months.
Source: TH
Chillai-Kalan FAQs
Q1: How long does Chillai-Kalan last?
Ans: 40 days
Q2: Chillai-Kalan is associated with which region?
Ans: Kashmir
