I clicked thousands of pictures when I was in Srinagar during my posting in Leh-Ladakh in Jammu & Kashmir in India.
As per Wikipedia, Chillai Kalan is the local name given to 40 days period of harsh winter in Kashmir. It is the coldest part of winter, starting from 21 December to January 29 every year.
During these 40 days period in Kashmir, nights are chilly and day temperature thrive in single digits and minimum temperature hover below the freezing point. The snow that falls during this time period freezes and lasts longer. It is this snow that adds to the glaciers of the Valley and and replenishes the perennial reservoirs that feeds the rivers, streams and lakes in Kashmir during the months of summer. Any snowfall after the chillai kalan does not last long.
