Context-North India Faces Intense Cold Wave, "Harshest Winter" Begins In Kashmir.

The most severe part of the winter in Kashmir consists of three months. It is divided into three parts called the Chilas:- The Chillai Kalan, the Chillai Khurd, and the Challai Bache.

• Chillai Kalan is a Persian word that in literal sense means ‘major cold’. December 21 marks the beginning of Chillai Kalan every year and thus, begins the period of harsh cold and continues till January 31. In this 40-day period, nights are chilly and day temperatures thrive in single digit. Historically, during this period, Kashmiris stay indoors surviving on dried preserved food and enjoying folklore and traditional music.

•  Chillai-Kalan is followed by a 20-day long Chillai-Khurd (small cold)  that occurs between January 31 and February 19 and a 10-day long Chillai-Bachha (baby cold) which is from February 20 to March 2.

Significance

• The ongoing harsh winter conditions don’t let the snow to melt and thus, tourists can view snow in the form of ice even when it hasn’t recently snowed on hill stations and if anything, this just adds up to the place’s attraction for tourists.
• Chillai Kalan plays a very important role in the lives of Kashmiri people. Snowfall is essential for a good harvest of fruits and vegetables. Locals even term it as encashing the severity of weather’.
• Snow also adds up to the glaciers in the Himalayas and thus is an important source of water for not only the locals but a recharge for many Himalayan rivers.