Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, Nov 15: Even as the markets are flooded with the modern electronic heating gadgets and gas-heaters ahead of the onset of winters, the traditional Kangri (fire pot) continues to maintain its age-old legacy of being a favorite means of keeping people of Kashmir hot.
In the bone chilling cold during winters, especially during the 40 day long harsh winter period starting from December 21 to January 30, Kangris dominate the scene in every Kashmiri house even after the toughest winter period is over.
Ghulam Ahmed Dar, a shopkeeper at Maharaja Bazar, Srinagar said that what was the fun of having blowers, power heaters and other electronic heating devices when there is no power available. “So old is gold, Kangris are the best bet to beat the biting cold in winters, ” he said, adding that the power curtailment schedule is already in place and curtailment hours will increase for sure.
Fatima, a housewife, said that if there is heavy snowfall in Kashmir, people have to forget about power then as lines would get snapped for days together. “Power wise, we are backward and we will continue to be so, don’t know for how many years, ” she said.
She said they are six family members and all use Kangris. “Traditional Hamam is the best alternative but that’s costly and everyone can’t afford it, ” she said.
Kangris are in high demand and Kangri makers of the Valley are happy.
“Yes, we are getting orders from wholesalers and retailers in bulk,” said Ghulam Ahmed Shaksaz, a prominent Kangri maker from Habba Kadal, Srinagar.
He said the prices of Kangris vary from Rs 200 to Rs 3000 and even Rs 10,000. The fire pot is made of a wicker and earthen bowl, weaved by the professionals in a unique way. Coal is used in the earthen bowls of Kangris that are used under the traditional gown called pheran.
