Srinagar, Dec. 20 -- As winter tightens its icy grip over the Valley, a familiar anticipation fills the air in Kashmir. The people, wrapped in layers of wool and tradition, look toward the arrival of Chilla Kalan-the harshest and most defining phase of the Kashmiri winter. More than just a meteorological phenomenon, Chilla Kalan is an experience that shapes daily life, culture, emotions, and resilience of Kashmiris year after year.Chilla Kalan, which literally means "the major cold," marks a 40-day period of intense winter, usually beginning around December 21 or 22 and lasting until the end of January. It is followed by two shorter phases-Chilla Khurd (20 days of milder cold) and Chilla Bacha (10 days of even lesser cold). Among these, C...