Kangri (Earthen fire pot encased in varied patterns of inter-woven designs of wicker basket) making as a craft is unique to Kashmir and adjoining areas of Himalayan and Pir Panjal Region has evolved over the last six centuries as a tradition. For centuries, Kashmiri people have faced severe cold wave of the winter season with the peculiar firepot, the Kangri.
A visit to Kangri-makers and understanding the supply demand chain makes Kangri, the darling of Kashmir winters is at the receiving end of society’s preference. Other cheap alternative for heating the households is slowly relegating the traditional Kangri to the second spot.
Adil Abass follows the journey of Kangri makers in Chrar-e-Sharief, a western town of central Kashmir through the multi-layered process from harvesting reeds, peeling of the bark, boiling and drying before these are ready to be woven around a bowl-shaped clay pot.
The artisans worry that the demand for Kangris is declining as people rely on more modern gadgets for heating. Yet, the Kangri remains a quintessential item in every home, especially among the poor. It is both a necessity and a part of Kashmir’s heritage.
There is no proper survey but an estimated two million Kangris are manufactured every year. The enormous production is believed to have exerted strain on the regeneration of deciduous shrub growing at the altitude of around 1200 – 2800 meters across Kashmir’s Himalayas.
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