From December 21 every year, the Kashmir Valley experiences 40 days of the harshest winter spell, locally known as Chillai Kalan.
Freezing temperatures and snow-covered mountain peaks reflect the beauty and resilience of the Kashmiris steeped in hundreds of years of tradition.
In preparation for the harsh winter spell, they brace for surviving the challenges nature throws at them.
To keep warm, they use mobile earthen pots covered with intricately woven wicker, known as kangri; hot embers put in it raise the temperature. They often carry this inside their long traditional cloaks known as pherans.
For keeping the houses and masjids warm, they construct hamams inside the structures, where one room is covered with carved and polished stones and firewood is burnt in a cavity under it. Hamams are a great place for small social gatherings in winters. Family members often prefer to eat in winters inside the warmth of these hamams.
Many families prepare for the winter well ahead in the summer by sun-drying vegetables to be cooked during hostile weather, when availability of essentials is scarce because roads remain blocked by heavy snow.
Smoked fish is another delicacy that is prepared ahead and consumed in the winter. Preserving food in such a manner is an important practice in winter when produce becomes scarce.
One of the most cherished delicacies is harissa, a minced meat preparation mostly for breakfast that provides enough warmth for the whole day. Additionally, khewa, a traditional sweet tea, with saffron, cardamom, cinnamon and other spices, is commonly prepared, showcasing the culinary heritage of Kashmir.
Some families also engage in various activities such as making handicrafts and artistic woodwork and weaving carpets, spending quality time indoors, reinforcing the community spirit.
Photo:
Imran Nissar
Freeze frame: A man rows his boat across the Dal Lake in Srinagar, navigating the calm waters after fresh snowfall.
Photo:
Imran Nissar
Clearing pathways: A Border Roads Organisation worker clears snow near the Zojila Pass on the Srinagar-Leh Highway.
Photo:
Imran Nissar
In stillness: A shikara moored on the Dal Lake after fresh snowfall in Srinagar.
Photo:
Imran Nissar
Whiff of warmth: A baker takes out bread from a traditional oven in Srinagar.
Photo:
Imran Nissar
Frozen path: A man walks on a snow-covered wooden bridge in Srinagar.
Photo:
Imran Nissar
Fun in the sun: Boys plays kabbadi in a snow-covered field in Srinagar.
Photo:
Imran Nissar
On thin ice: A boatman tries to break the ice with a stick while making his way through the partially frozen surface of the Dal Lake in Srinagar
Photo:
Imran Nissar
Sound of solitude: A man makes his way towards the Makdoom Sahib shrine in the old city of Srinagar.
Photo:
Imran Nissar
Smoky flavour: A Kashmiri woman gathers fish smoked over slow-burning grass on the outskirts of Srinagar.
Published – January 26, 2025 08:05 am IST
