Violent thunderstorms in the Gangetic plains of India are locally known as Kal Baisakhi or Nor'westers. These localised events are generally associated with thunderstorms accompanied by strong squally winds and torrential rainfall.
Origin of Kal Baisakhi
Kal Baisakhi originate in the Chhotanagpur Plateau, in and around the cities of Ranchi and Jamshedpur. In times of incursion of moist air in these elevated regions, amidst high temperatures, these extremely destructive thunderstorms occur.
The first sign of nor‘wester is a low bank of dark cloud in the northwest region, the upper outline of which has the appearance of an arch. It approaches slowly at first and then rapidly with a strong gust or squall. Sometimes the wind blows with almost hurricane force.
Which are the states affected by Kal Baisakhi?
Kal Baisakhi originates over Bihar and Jharkhand area, moves eastwards and strikes West Bengal and Odisha. These are extremely severe in nature and takes Chhattisgarh under its purview as well.
What are the benefits of Kal Baisakhi?
Kal Baisakhi definitely brings destruction in terms of lightning, thunderstorm, hailstorm and rainfall. However, it is extremely helpful for the pre-Kharif crops like jute, paddy and a large number of vegetables and fruits. It gives the much desired relief after mid-day heat and pours well on the thirsty soil for development of crops.
Which months are affected by Kal Baisakhi?
Kal Baisakhi is a common occurrence during April and May. However, few events of Kal Baisakhi in March too cannot be ruled out.
Kal Baisakhi in Bengali Literature
The dramatic appearance of nor’westers in the afternoon or evening hours of pre-monsoon months over Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Assam and adjoining areas has been a matter of great interest to the meteorologists and in Bengali literature.
It is not just terror and fury of Kal Baisakhi but its astounding beauty has inspired poets as well as artists, especially in Bengal. Famous Bengali poet Mohit Lal Majumder described nor’wester in his poem “Kal Baisakhi” in the best possible ways. Rabindranath Tagore also invited the storm to cleanse the old and the morbid in his poem “Esho he Baisakh”.
