Living through Chilai e Kalan
The arrival of Chilai e Kalan gently signals the beginning of the most severe winter phase in the Kashmir Valley, a time when nature, tradition, and community life come together in quiet harmony. For generations, this forty-day cold spell has shaped daily routines and social habits, encouraging people to adjust their lives with patience and care. More than a seasonal change, it reflects a way of living that has evolved through experience, drawing strength from shared customs and collective understanding.
Traditional winter clothing occupies a central place in this period, especially the pheran, which continues to offer comfort and protection against the cold while carrying deep cultural meaning. Its design reflects a practical response to the Valley’s climate, allowing warmth to be retained and layers to be added with ease. At the same time, it represents continuity and craftsmanship, reminding people of the knowledge passed down through generations that remains relevant even today. Chilai e Kalan has long encouraged thoughtful preparation at the household level. Families stock essentials, make adjustments to heating arrangements and reorganize daily activities in response to shorter days and challenging weather. These practices, rooted in lived experience, show an instinctive understanding of resilience that relies on foresight rather than urgency. Such habits offer valuable insight into how communities can adapt calmly to environmental challenges. Community bonds tend to deepen during this period, as people spend more time indoors and depend on one another for support. Neighbourly interactions, shared warmth, and collective care help ensure that vulnerable members of society are not left behind. This sense of togetherness highlights how resilience is often sustained through relationships and shared responsibility rather than material resources alone. At the same time, modern living has introduced new considerations that require attention during winter. The use of heating appliances and electrical systems calls for greater awareness and safety practices. Seasonal advisories and preventive measures serve as important reminders that traditional ways of coping with cold must be complemented by careful use of contemporary conveniences. Cultural observances linked to Chilai e Kalan add warmth and meaning to this demanding season. Celebrations that highlight traditional attire, crafts, and music help keep cultural memory alive while offering spaces for community expression. These gatherings provide a sense of continuity and reassurance, allowing people to find comfort in shared identity during the coldest days of the year. Such traditions also support local artisans and craftspeople whose livelihoods are closely connected to winter clothing and handloom products. By drawing attention to indigenous skills, seasonal celebrations help sustain local economies and encourage younger generations to value and carry forward these practices.
Viewed through this gentle lens, Chilai e Kalan becomes more than a period of cold. It emerges as a reminder of how communities adapt through balance, preparation, and care for one another. In the steady rhythm of winter life, the Kashmir Valley continues to demonstrate that resilience is nurtured through tradition, awareness, and a quiet sense of belonging. Going ahead, the Jammu and Kashmir government should continue to blend cultural preservation with winter preparedness by strengthening community awareness, supporting traditional crafts, and ensuring robust safety advisories. Sustained coordination between cultural promotion, disaster preparedness, and public services will help communities navigate harsh winters with confidence, care, and collective resilience.
