Chillai Kalan

  • 24 Dec 2021

  • It is a Persian word meaning Major Cold and it is the local name given to the 40 day period of harsh winter in Kashmir (starting from 21st December to 29th January every year).
  • Chillai Kalan is followed by a 20-day long Chillai-Khurd (small cold) that occurs between 31st January and 19th February and a 10-day long Chillai-Bachha (baby cold) which is from 20th February to 2nd March.
  • During Chillai-Kalan, the weather in Kashmir valley continues to remain dry and cold with minimum temperatures hovering below the freezing point. The chances of snowfall are most frequent during this period.