News Excerpt:

Chilla-i-Kalan is the local name given to the 40 days of severe winter phase in Kashmir.

About Chilla-i-Kalan:

• 'Chilla-i-Kalan' is the 40-day harshest winter period when a cold wave grips the region.
• This period spans from December 21 to January 31 of the following year,
• The temperature drops considerably leading to the freezing of water bodies, including the famous Dal Lake, as well as the water supply lines in several parts of the valley.
• The chances of snowfall are the most frequent and maximum during this period and most areas, especially in the higher reaches, receive heavy snowfall.
• After Chilla-i-Kalan, the cold conditions continue even after that in Kashmir with a 20-day-long 'Chillai-Khurd' (small cold) and a 10-day-long 'Chillai-Bachha' (baby cold).