A glimpse into 40-day harshest period of teeth-chattering cold through the eyes of a teacher
The 21st of December every year marks the beginning of Chillai Kalan in Kashmir when the biting cold transforms the valley, causing a significant drop in temperatures. Residents adapt by bundling up and seeking warmth indoors. Heating facilities become crucial to combat the freezing conditions, especially for those in hilly areas with limited modern amenities. It is a spell of forty days of intense cold that has a unique history. During these days, the harshest chill, across the Valley deepens with a sharp dip down in mercury. No doubt, this time the impact of intensified cold was visible ahead of this period, yet, compared to the other days, it certainly freezes all over when Chillai Kalan arrives. The days and nights during this period become totally frosty. People wrap themselves up warmly in a cosy atmosphere most of the time. The daily routine of people faces a change. With whatever means possible, they save themselves from the cold.
Followed by Chillai Khurd (20-day-long small cold) and Chill Bache (10-day-long baby cold), the severity of Chillai Kalan (40 days major cold) is such that it is said to freeze boiling water containers, bringing snow and rain essential for the future. While advancements have reduced the impact, the chilling period still poses challenges, particularly for those in rural areas where basic facilities are scarce. Poor communities, unable to afford warm winter clothing, face increased vulnerability, and some may even succumb to the harsh conditions.
In Srinagar, there’s some respite for citizens during Chillai Kalan, but rural areas experience significant disruptions. Heavy snowfall further isolates these regions, making daily life exceedingly difficult. Places like Leh, Ladakh, Drass, and other mountainous areas grapple with the full strength of Chillai Kalan, leading to a tough and challenging existence.
The struggle against the cold is evident as people in rural areas rely on traditional heating sources be it Kanger (traditional fire-pot) or Bukhari, given the scarcity of modern facilities. Movement becomes restricted, and the bitter cold brings various diseases, posing potential threats if not properly addressed. In times past, according to anecdotes from parents, Chillai Kalan was even more ruthless, with heavy snowfall persisting for months freezing everything with huge icicles all around, and profoundly impacting daily life thereby confining people to Houk Suen, Makkai Tsout, Kahwa, Anchar, Razma Dal, etc only.
The government attempts to meet the needs of the people during this challenging period, recognizing the suffering Chillai Kalan imposes on the common man. Despite advancements and efforts to alleviate the impact, the chilling spell remains a formidable force, particularly for those in remote areas battling not just the cold but also the accompanying hardships.
As memories recount a more severe Chillai Kalan of the past, the present-day challenge persists, emphasizing the resilience required to endure the biting cold and its consequences. Though now, it is welcomed and celebrated as an occasion in Kashmir under an event like Jashn-e-Chillai Kalan where not only our rich cultural heritage gets showcased but much is presented by the local artists to the audience as a real testament to the fact called ‘thrill in chill’.
With a paradigm shift in the scenario from the past couple of years in UT, every citizen’s well-being is prioritized under strict vigil. The main motive behind many government initiatives is to minimize the common man’s problems with door-step facilities. Not only in the city but beyond it also, govt. men and machinery remain all set to tackle the vagaries that Chillai Kalan unfolds. Gone are the days when snow in the streets would remain un-cleared for months on end. Things have changed now. Though challenges emerge during this time, yet, people triumph over them with valour.
The writer is a recipient of the National Peace Award and can be reached at ma*********@******co.in