Srinagar, December 18,2025-As Kashmir prepares to welcome Chilla-i-Kalan, the 40-day period of harsh winter beginning December 21, the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, will organise ‘Jashn-e-Chilla-i-Kalan’, a vibrant celebration of Kashmiri culture and heritage, coinciding with Pheran Day.
According to a spokesperson of the department, the two-day event on December 20 and 21 will be held at Kashmir Haat (Numaish Gah), Srinagar. The festival will feature dedicated stalls showcasing exquisite Kashmiri handicrafts, with special emphasis on traditional Zari (Tilla) embroidery and Aari (hook) embroidery, which are timeless elements of Kashmiri craftsmanship and commonly adorn the iconic Pheran.
Renowned craftsmen from across the Valley have been invited to participate in the event, offering live demonstrations, displays of hand-embroidered Pherans, Pashmina shawls, and other winter garments. The initiative will provide visitors with an opportunity to interact directly with master artisans and gain insight into the intricate techniques behind these traditional crafts.
The spokesperson said the event aims to highlight the resilience of Kashmiri traditions during the harshest phase of winter, while promoting the warmth, elegance and cultural significance of the Pheran, Kashmir’s signature loose-fitting attire that offers comfort against biting cold.
“Jashn-e-Chilla-i-Kalan will celebrate the cultural importance of Chilla-i-Kalan and Pheran Day, bringing together locals, tourists and craft enthusiasts to experience the rich artistry that defines Kashmir. Visitors can look forward to a festive ambience with stalls showcasing intricate zari and aari work, reflecting the Valley’s enduring legacy of handloom and embroidery,” the spokesperson added.
