Wular lake, Asia’s largest fresh water lake wears a festive look with the onset of the winter in Kashmir, specifically in December. Despite the bone chilling cold and unpredictable weather, particularly during the 40-day harsh period known as ‘Chillai Kalan’, the boatmen, in order to make a living, continue to brave the conditions to harvest water chestnuts, locally knows as ‘Gaer’. Originating in mainland Asia and mainly cultivated in countries like India, China, Pakistan and Thailand, water chestnuts are commonly referred as ‘Singhara’ in Hindi/Urdu and ‘Gaer’ in Kashmiri. With a slightly sweet taste, water chestnuts have a crisp and…