chillai kalan

her life

Boube jung – Kashmir celebrates the onset of chillai kalan with a friendly flame-throw

In a centuries-old tradition, people indulge in throwing firecrackers towards each other across the water in Dal Lake neighbourhoods, marking the winter solstice on 21 December, and the beginning of the 40-day harshest winter.

her life

Sun-dried vegetables find “flavour” in Kashmiri kitchens

Sun-drying summer vegetables, an ancient Kashmiri practice to make up for lack of fresh produce in the harsh winters, are still in demand thanks to their distinct flavour and the increasingly early onset of winters.