The 40-day period of intense cold known as Chillai Kalan has begun in Kashmir, plunging the region into frigid temperatures. Srinagar, the valley’s main city, shivered at a bone-chilling minus 4.3 degrees Celsius on Thursday, while popular tourist destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam recorded lows of minus 3 degrees Celsius and minus 5.8 degrees Celsius respectively.
The harshness extended to the Ladakh region, where Leh, Kargil, and Drass experienced biting nights with temperatures dipping as low as minus 11.8 degrees Celsius, minus 11.4 degrees Celsius, and minus 11.9 degrees Celsius respectively.
In contrast, Jammu and its surrounding areas enjoyed relatively milder temperatures, with Jammu city recording a low of 7.3 degrees Celsius and Katra, Batote, Bhaderwah, and Banihal hovering around 6 to 7.6 degrees Celsius.
This year’s Chillai Kalan, which translates to “forty days of intense cold,” will continue until January 30th, testing the resilience of Kashmiris and their unique winter traditions.
