Kashmir's kangri: How residents beat the cold using traditional portable heaters in the Valley
Kangri (fire pot) is a traditional portable heater made up of an earthen pot encased in wicker, which is filled with burning red-charcoal to counter the shivering cold in winter season in Kashmir
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Kangri (fire pot) is a traditional portable heater made up of an earthen pot encased in wicker, which is filled with burning red-charcoal to counter the shivering cold in winter season in Kashmir. Firstpost/Sameer Mushtaq
Kangri is made by professionals and various steps are involved in the making. The earthen pot is made of mud, which a professional potter later bakes in a furnace at high temperature. Firstpost/Sameer Mushtaq
It is then encased in a small wicker basket just to avoid burning of hands and clothes. Firstpost/Sameer Mushtaq
During Kashmir’s bitter winter, people hardly get electricity or gas supply, and Kangri becomes the only source of warmth when the mercury goes down to minus 20 degrees at several places. Firstpost/Sameer Mushtaq
Some basic tools and skills learnt over a lifetime are put together by professionals in making of Kangri. Firstpost/Sameer Mushtaq
With some coal in the kangri, one is all set to roam and face the harsh winters in Kashmir. Firstpost/Sameer Mushtaq
Multi-coloured fire pots are made to look attractive before they go on sale in the markets. Firstpost/Sameer Mushtaq
Makers go from village to village, mostly on foot, to sell their products. Firstpost/Sameer Mushtaq
When the lanes in the Valley are filled with snow, children indulge in snow fighting or making snowmen and afterwords use the kangri for warmth. Firstpost/Sameer Mushtaq
People ferry kangri with them from one place to another by placing it inside their pheran, the long traditional woolen cloak worn mostly in winters. Firstpost/Sameer Mushtaq
Kangris are sold for anything between 100 to 500 rupees depending upon quality and design. Firstpost/Sameer Mushtaq
A special make called Charari kanger, named after the famous place in Budgam district Charari Shareef, is also used to burn Izband (wild rue seeds) at weddings in Kashmir. Firstpost/Sameer Mushtaq