Kangri Makers Work Winter Warmth in Kashmir: Photos

PULWAMA, J&K: As October ends and winter sets in, the need for traditional Kashmiri kangris becomes acute, and here in southern Kashmir kangri makers have already started work.

The traditional handmade kangri, used in every corner of the Kashmir valley from November through February, is a nature friendly way to keep one warm from the chilly cold.

An earthen firepot filled with charcoal embers, enclosed by a handmade twig or wicker container, kangris are used to protect from the bone chilling cold in winter.

Craftsman Assadullah Shaksaaz was seen busy at work in Tral, in a room kept specifically for making kangris.

He tells The Citizen that he has been working in this craft for 35 years, and earns 400 to 500 rupees a day in season.

Shaksaaz thinks that kangri artisans should get help from the government as input costs are growing.

“The material for kangris being sold in the market is very expensive. The government should help all the artisans in the form of subsidy, or other facilities, so they can continue their work comfortably.”

He adds that inflation is on the rise. As the twigs used to enclose kangris are disappearing from forest areas, “after people started growing apple trees all around,” the price of twigs has increased.