Chillai Kalan, the coldest phase of Kashmir’s winter, transforms the valley into a snowy wonderland from 21st December to 31st January. During these 40 days, Kashmir experiences sub-zero temperatures, heavy snowfall, and a quiet stillness that defines the season. For Kashmiris, this period is more than just a test of endurance — it’s a time of tradition, resilience, and deep connection to the land. From the warmth of the kangri to the beauty of the snow-covered Dal Lake, Chillai Kalan teaches us to embrace the cold with strength and unity.
Tag: pheran
SKILLED HANDS: THE MAGIC OF KASHMIRI HANDICRAFTS THAT CONTINUE INDOORS IN WINTER
For a Kashmiri, winter has never been a season of stopping. It has always been a season of moving inward. When Sheen spreads across rooftops, lanes fall silent and the valley turns white, life does not pause—it simply shifts indoors. This is how it has always been in Kashmir. Winter is not emptiness; it is…
DE-CODING CHILAI KALAN: FORTY DAYS OF CHILL
CHILAI KALAN
SHIKARA
The shikara is a type of wooden boat found on Dal Lake and other water bodies of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir. A Shikhara is a traditional Gondola type light rowing boat which is mostly seen on the pristine Dal Lake, apart from other lakes.