Chilla i Kalaan : Forty days of intense cold in Kashmir

Every one is quite familiar with this fact that Chilla i Kalan has begun on 21st December until 29 January in Kashmir with intense cold of forty days over here. The word (chilla i kalan) has been extracted from the Persian language which simply means to have major coldness that stays at least 40 days. So, these harsh days are extremely deemed to be so difficult for everyone’s life residing in Kashmir. It is clearly understood that during these harsh days, life becomes so hard with various things when temperature drops below zero degree that renders water frozen especially in our homes. It is also apparent that for past several days temperature has been -5.4° degree in constant mode which has significantly added in coldness especially in the morning times ,although there is little respite in coldness from noon to evening time yet it makes one’s whole body cold and chilly. Moreover, if there is possibility of snow especially within the days of chillai kalan, then life gets stuck in ample hardships for long time. In the second phase, when electricity gets snapped or cut during winter days in general and the Chila i kalan in particular due to falling of heavy snow, it damages electric poles and transformers get blasted because of heavy overload. Apart from this, it also renders whole system of public defunct in general and government in particular. It is also pertinent to mention here that during Chilla i Kalan electricity is significantly used in various appliances for the comfortability of life that includes blowers, electric blankets, power kettles, rubber bottles and other related items which are highly considered to consume much power and provide immense comfort in these harsh days
In the third phase, during the time of chillai kalan, there are utmost chances or possibility of snowfall in bulk which leads to hindrances on our major roads and highways let alone lanes and bylanes that mostly remain flooded with the accumulation of heavy snow which significantly causes troubles to human beings especially for those who have been victim of many complications and being required to get themselves checked up in hospitals or in other private institutions. Besides it, in this harsh month, everyone is exposed to sickness on account of extreme coldness. At the end, in these forty days of intense cold, we should keep our bodies warm with garments and try to stay indoors because it is mostly seen that such intense wave of coldness can lead to major strokes particularly who are having chronic heart diseases . Precautions must be taken before venturing out to buy house items. Therefore, life is truly a great gift on behalf of God however, protecting it from getting afflicted with diseases, is our responsibility. Let us enjoy these days.
(Author is a freelancer. The views, opinions, facts, assumptions, presumptions and conclusions expressed in this article are author’s own and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”.)
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