Kashmiri Kangri and its Cultural Importance
In the modern era of electronic heating gadgets, Kangri is a traditional fire pot which is still used in the winter season to keep Kashmir warm. It is also known as Kanger,
What is Kangri made of?
For weaving Kangri two main materials are used one is terra cotta called as Kandul and the other is branches of wicker. It is not everyone’s cup of tea to make Kangri, as it requires labor and craftsman skill. Twings and leaves are collected from autumn trees which goes through the process of soaking, dying and drying and finally it is woven around the round shape and decorated with beautiful designs, colorful thread and mirror work
Kashmiris still prefer the traditional Kangri because it is very cost effective, eco-friendly and durable craft.
One Kashmiri proverb used for Kangri to define its importance for kashmiri
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“What Laila was on Majnun’s bosom (Legendary Lovers), so is the Kangri to a Kashmiri”, which tells the relationship between a Kashmiri and the Kangri and its cultural importance.
Ai kangri! ai kangri!
Kurban tu Hour wu Peri!
Chun dur bughul mi girimut
Durd az dil mi buree.
(Oh, kangri! oh, kangri!
You are the gift of Houris and Fairies;
When I take you under my arm
You drive fear from my heart.)
Kangri is not only used as a fire pot to beat the cold but it also holds an important value in Kashmiri culture as no occasion is celebrated without the presence of Kangri. Just as in hot climate areas person is first greeted with a glass of water, in winter every visitor to a Kashmiri family is provided with the warmth of Kangri. Parents give Mahrni Kangri (specially designed for the bride) to their daughter in the first winter after her wedding. Chrar kangri and Bandipura kangri are more popular among Kashmir. Kashmiri Pandit burns Kangri on the local festival “Teela Aetham” to mark the end of winter season.
Although the production of Kangri is declined due to the availability of alternate heating equipment’s but still in rural areas of Kashmir, Kangri is the only cheapest way for people to keep themselves warm in harsh winters.
One of the main reasons to use Kangri in winter is discontinued the supply of electricity because In winters electricity is hardly available which force people to use Kangri instead of oil and gas as it is cheaper.
As Kangri helps people to keep them warm, but the coin has two sides the over usage of Kangri can cause skin Cancer also known as “Kangri Cancer”.
Swikriti Dandotia
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