Which of the following best describes theword Chillai Kalan?a)Diurnal ...
Chillai Kalan
Chillai Kalan is a term used to describe the spell of cold wave in the region of Kashmir. It is a significant period during winter when the temperatures drop significantly and the entire region experiences extreme cold weather conditions.
Key Points:
- Chillai Kalan typically lasts for around 40 days, starting from December 21st and extending till the end of January.
- During this period, the temperatures in Kashmir plummet to extremely low levels, often resulting in freezing of water bodies and heavy snowfall in the higher altitudes.
- The term "Chillai Kalan" is derived from the Persian language, where "Chillai" means cold and "Kalan" means big, signifying the peak of the winter season in Kashmir.
- The cold wave during Chillai Kalan poses challenges for the local population, impacting daily life, agriculture, and travel in the region.
- It is also a crucial time for the horticulture sector as many fruit-bearing trees require a period of dormancy induced by the cold weather to prepare for the next growing season.
In conclusion, Chillai Kalan refers to the period of intense cold wave in Kashmir during winter, marking the peak of the winter season in the region.
Which of the following best describes theword Chillai Kalan?a)Diurnal ...
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 (Cold wave) is the harshest 40 days winter spell in the region of Kashmir triggered by the western disturbance. It is a Persian term that means ‘major cold’. During Chillai-Kalan, the weather in Kashmir valley continues to remain dry and cold with minimum temperatures hovering below the freezing point. Hence option (b) is the correct answer.
- The 40-day period brings a lot of hardships for Kashmiris as the temperature drops considerably leading to the freezing of water bodies, including the famous Dal Lake here.
- During these 40 days, the chances of snowfall are the highest and the maximum temperature drops considerably. The minimum temperature in the Valley hovers below the freezing point.
- Chillai-Kalan is followed by a 20-day long Chillai Khurd (small cold) between January 30 and February 18 and a 10-days long Chillai Bachha (baby cold) from February 19 to February 28.
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