Sun Jan 26 02:35:10 UTC 2025: ## Kashmiris Embrace Traditional Ways to Survive 40 Days of Harsh Winter
**Srinagar, January 26, 2025** – The Kashmir Valley is currently enduring Chillai Kalan, a 40-day period of intense winter beginning December 21st, characterized by freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. Residents are employing centuries-old traditions and ingenious methods to cope with the harsh conditions.
To combat the cold, Kashmiris utilize kangris, portable earthen pots covered in wicker containing hot embers, kept close to the body under their traditional pherans (cloaks). Houses and mosques are heated using hamams, rooms with stone floors heated from below by burning firewood, which also serve as communal gathering spaces.
Food preservation is crucial. Families spend summer months sun-drying vegetables and smoking fish, ensuring food supplies last through the winter when snow often blocks roads. Traditional dishes like harissa (minced meat) and khewa (spiced tea) provide warmth and sustenance.
Beyond survival, the winter months are also a time for community and cultural activities. Many Kashmiris engage in handicrafts, woodwork, and carpet weaving, strengthening community bonds.
Photographs accompanying the report showcase the beauty and resilience of Kashmir during this challenging season, depicting scenes of life continuing amidst the snow – from boatmen navigating the Dal Lake to children playing kabbadi in snowy fields. The images capture the spirit of the people navigating the harsh winter with a blend of practicality and cultural pride.
First Piper 