Embracing Chillai Kallan With Gratitude and Good Health
Sahil Manzoor Bhatti
As winter drapes the Kashmir Valley in its quiet splendour, life in the region undergoes a beautiful transformation. The famous forty-day harsh spell of Chillai Kallan, beginning on 21st December, marks the peak of winter — a period of biting cold, frozen mornings, and breathtaking stillness. While this season tests physical endurance, it also reminds us of nature’s unmatched design. From equal durations of day and night in December to the gradual lengthening of daylight until 21st June, every shift carries the unmistakable signature of the Almighty’s wisdom. These are wonders beyond our control; what remains within our power is the ability to appreciate them and keep ourselves healthy, grateful, and content.
Recognising Nature’s Blessings
Kashmir is abundantly blessed — with pure water, clean air, lush forests, and nutritious produce that sustains the population through all four seasons. These gifts, often taken for granted, deserve deep gratitude. Expressing thankfulness (shukr) is not merely a ritual; it shapes our attitude towards life. Gratitude should be practiced in everyday interactions, in the food we eat, in the shelter we enjoy, and in the countless conveniences of modern life.
Alhamdulillah for all that the Almighty has bestowed upon us. May He forgive our shortcomings and reward us with good health, peace, and prosperity. Ameen.
Understanding the Rhythm of Seasons
Kashmir’s beauty lies in its distinct four-season cycle:
Autumn: 21st September – 21st December
Winter: 22nd December – 21st March
Spring: 22nd March – 21st June
Summer: 22nd June – 21st September
Each season arrives with a purpose and departs with a lesson. The cycle of day and night, shaped by the Earth’s 24-hour rotation, gives rhythm to our lives. The seasons, created by Earth’s revolution around the Sun over approximately 365 days and 6 hours, add richness and variety to our landscape. This extra time adds up to a full day every four years, giving us the 29th of February in a leap year — a small reminder of nature’s precision.
Prioritising Health in Winter
Though the human body is remarkably adaptive, winter demands special attention. Cold temperatures slow us down, restrict mobility, and increase vulnerability to illness. Staying healthy during Chillai Kallan requires a conscious balance of diet, physical activity, and lifestyle choices.
Here are essential winter wellness guidelines:
1) Eat a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
2) Stay hydrated, even when you don’t feel thirsty, to prevent dehydration.
3) Limit long periods of sitting; keep your body active.
4) Include nutritious warm foods — cereals, meat, vegetables, soups, and traditional homemade recipes.
5) Dress in proper layers to retain warmth and protect against sudden temperature drops.
Why Physical Exercise Matters More in Winter
With freezing temperatures discouraging outdoor activity, many people tend to become inactive during winter. This is where gym centres play a crucial role.
Benefits of Gym Centres During Winter
1) Provide a productive and disciplined way to use free time.
2) Offer a motivating environment surrounded by health-conscious individuals.
3) Help steer people away from harmful habits, particularly drugs and substance abuse.
4) Improve personality, confidence, and mental well-being.
5) Support weight management, muscle strength, and stronger immunity.
6) Ensure professional supervision to prevent injuries.
7) Keep the body warm in winter and strong for the summer ahead.
Apart from physical fitness, gyms also contribute to counselling, lifestyle improvement, hygiene awareness, and emotional stability — aspects often overlooked in daily life.
Balance, Gratitude, and Happiness
A truly healthy lifestyle is not just about food and exercise; it includes mental peace, emotional stability, and gratitude. A balanced diet with nutrients like vitamins A, B-complex, C, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats strengthens the body. But happiness strengthens the mind. It reduces anxiety, improves concentration, enhances productivity, and builds resilience.
In Conclusion
Winter may be harsh, but with the right approach, it becomes a season of strength, reflection, and renewal. By eating well, staying active, dressing warmly, practising gratitude, and avoiding junk food, we not only protect our physical health but also enrich our emotional and spiritual well-being.
Stay grateful. Stay active. Stay healthy.
Enjoy every moment of winter with positivity and purpose.
