Beneath the sky of icy gray,
Chillai Kalan begins its sway.
Forty days of frosty might,
Transform the land into snowy white.
The rivers freeze, the water still,
The air bites sharp, the coldness chill.
Kangris glow with embered light,
To chase the shadows of the night.
Homes become a haven warm,
Shielding lives from winter’s storm.
In woollen cloaks and Pherans tight,
Tradition guards the freezing night.
The markets buzz with lively cheer,
As traders thrive this time of year.
The artisans’ Kangris take the stage,
Their craft a warmth through winter’s rage.
Harissa simmers, rich and sweet,
A hearty meal for all to eat.
Around the hearth, the stories flow,
As outside falls the drifting snow.
Yet patience thins as days crawl by,
And hearts yearn for a summer sky.
The frost may grip, the winds may howl,
But Kashmir stands with timeless soul.
Chillai Kalan’s icy spell,
Tells a tale Kashmir knows well.
Of strength, of unity, and grace,
Amidst the harshest winter’s face.
So let the frosty winds descend,
For spring will follow winter’s end.
Through resilience, tradition, and pride,
Kashmir endures, its soul untied.
Poem-
By Dr Aasif Ahmad