Skymet Weather forecasts rain and/or snow in Jammu and Kashmir on Feb 14th and 15th due to a system called Western Disturbance. The snow in Jammu and Kashmir could then spread to Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand as well. It is during these freezing times and spotty electricity hours, that the traditionally made pots, commonly known as ‘kangris’, come into use. Kangris have been used for centuries by kashmiris to keep warm during snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir. The approaching days of snow in Jammu and Kashmir over the weekend could therefore shoot up the sales of these traditional pots once again.
Though modern heaters and conventional devices have replaced kangris in some homes but the cheap and best kangris are always in high demand among the masses, especially during times of snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir, when the temperatures touch sub zeros. Though the shops are flooded with modern gas, kerosene and electric heaters, luring many people to leave their traditional heating pots on the shelf, most Kashmiris would still not brave the weather of snow in Jammu and Kashmir and extreme temperatures, without their trusty Kangri.
The small earthenware bowl held in a wickerwork frame, called the ‘Kangri’ is filled with burning charcoal and people often carry it under their long Kashmiri gowns known as ‘ferans’. Making the Kangri was an art that originated from Italy, and was mastered in Kashmir. And it is these simple kangris that have given Kashmir something unique to boast about. Prices per kangri rangesfrom Rs. 60 to Rs. 2500, depending on the design and craftsmanship.
Areeb Aslam, a local says, “Kangri is the culture of Kashmir. We have been using Kangri from ancient times. Nowadays heaters are the in thing, but not many can afford it. Especially for the poor people, the Kangri is very important.”
Apart from its heating qualities, during the times of snow in Jammu and Kashmir, kangris also provide seasonal employment to people in the Kashmir Valley. There are no government figures on how many people are directly or indirectly engaged in the Kangri trade, but the number is believed to be in the thousands.
