1. 

   Chillai-Kalan, the 40-day harshest winter period, began in Kashmir on Monday on a dry note even as there was improvement in the minimum temperature across the valley. While 'Chillai-Kalan' will end on January 31, the cold wave continues even after that in Kashmir with a 20-day-long 'Chillai-Khurd' (small cold) and a 10-day-long 'Chillai-Bachha' (baby cold). Let us take a look at some of the breathtaking images:

2. 

   40-day period from December 21 to January 31 is considered the harshest winter period as a cold wave grips the region. (PTI Photo)

3. 

   The temperature drops considerably leading to the freezing of water bodies. (PTI Photo)

4. 

   Shopian: A child looks at icicles hanging from trees, formed after a water supply line burst, as temperature dropped below zero, on the outskirts of Shopian in South Kashmir. (PTI Photo)

5. 

   A boy displays a slab of ice frozen overnight due to sub-zero temperature, outside Hazratbal shrine on a cold day in Srinagar. (AP Photo)

6. 

   The famous Dal Lake as well as the water supply lines in several parts of the Kashmir valley get frozen. (AP Photo)

7. 

   The Meteorological Office has said while no major snowfall is expected till the end of this month in the union territory, there is a possibility of light snowfall at a few places in Kashmir. (PTI Photo)