In Pics | Chillai Kalan, the 40 harshest days of winter in Kashmir
By: Sajad Hameed | December 21, 2022
While Kashmir's mountains remain covered in snow for weeks afterwards, the period from December 21 to January 31 is generally the coldest.
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During Chillai Kalan, the Dal Lake freezes, children play cricket on the surface of frozen lakes and rivers.
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In Kashmir, the Chillai Kalan is followed by a 20-day-long Chillai-Khurd (small cold), which lasts till February 19, and a 10-day-long Chillai-Bachha (baby cold), from February 20 to March
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Water bodies, including the Dal Lake, freeze.
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During Chillai Kalan, water supply lines freeze and people in the Valley find it hard to get potable water.
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The snow and ice of Chillai Kalan make the roads slippery, and cause hardships to drivers. The slippery roads also lead to a number of accidents every year.
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Icicles form in the Chinar trees and apple orchards.
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On the other hand, the snow that falls during this period also replenishes the rivers, streams and lakes of Kashmir.