Kashmir's Winter Of Content: Memories Of Chilai Kalan

Chilai Kalan, the 40-day harsh winter period in Kashmir that begins towards the end of December, brings back fond memories from childhood. As winter vacation began in early December, there was a long break from school. Unmindful of the cold and minus temperatures, we looked forward to a lot of snow and a lot of free time to enjoy it to the fullest. I remember waking up to a blanket of snow after nights of heavy snowfall. Outside, on chilly winter mornings, we could see our own breath. The trees, their branches robbed of late autumn leaves, were all bent, drooping with snow. The silence of the snowfall that heightened the quietness around, was broken by the chirping of birds.