Weather improves in Kashmir; 40-day 'Chalai-Kalan' ends tonight
Srinagar, Jan 29 : The weather has finally improved in the Kashmir valley, where the 40-day-long 'Chalai-Kalan', the coldest period of winter, ends tonight
However, this will be followed by 20-day 'Chalai-Kharud' and 10-day 'Chalai Bacha', which are not being considered so cold
A Met department spokesman said the weather will remain dry during the next 24 hours in the Valley, where the maximum temperature will improve but the minimum temperature will be below normal due to clear sky
There will be no large change during the subsequent two days, he said
With less than 12 hours left, the 40-day-long 'Chalai-Kalan' will end at 0000 hrs tonight
It is believed that during this period, nothing could be cultivated. However, due to introduction of latest technology and green house effect, vegetables are cultivated in winter also
For the coldest period of the winter, which is ending today people had stored essentials, particularly dry vegetables, fish and pulses period when the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway also remained closed for weeks
However, with the improvement in the road connectivity, fresh vegetables are available round the year, including in winter, though costly. Despite fresh vegetables, people are still using dry vegetables and fish during the winter
This time the highway, connecting the Valley with the rest of the country was closed on three occasions though for short period due to snowfall
'Kalan' will be followed by 20 day's Kharud and 10 days Chalai Bacha, which are not being considered so cold
After witnessing below normal temperature during the night, people woke up to a sunny morning in the Valley, the last day of Kalan
The spokesman said the maximum temperature will improve further but the night temperature will remain below normal