The bone-chilling cold temperatures are followed by a 'Chillai Khurd' that lasts 20 days and a 'Chillai Bacha' that lasts 10 days.
With the arrival of the winter solstice today, one of the coldest winter periods in Kashmir, lasting 40 days and known as Chillai Kalan, begins. Chillai Kalan is a Persian phrase that literally translates as'major cold.' The continuing cold wave is expected to reach its apex by the end of January, with Kashmir's mountains blanketed in snow for weeks and the iconic Dal Lake experiencing freezing temperatures till the tail end of the month.
When there is a high likelihood of snowfall during this season, sub-zero temperatures in the region cause residents in the hill areas to transport enormous quantities of firewood to their homes, where it will be burned to provide heat for their homes and to cook their food.

Kashmir's streams, rivers, and lakes are claimed to be replenished as a result of the prolonged snowfall during this time period.

The bone-chilling cold temperatures are followed by a 'Chillai Khurd' that lasts 20 days and a 'Chillai Bacha' that lasts 10 days.

During the winter months, large icicles grow on the branches of Chinar trees and apple orchards, as well as the roofs of residences throughout Kashmir.

According to the Met Department, the minimum temperature in Srinagar was minus 5.8, in Pahalgam it was negative 7.4, and in Gulmarg it was minus 5.5 degrees on Monday. While the lowest temperatures were recorded in Drass, Ladakh, Leh, and Kargil, Jammu city recorded 3.2, Katra 4.2, Batote 1.7, Banihal 3.0, and Bhaderwah - 1.8 as the night's lowest temperatures, while the highest temperature was recorded in Drass, Ladakh, and Kargil.