Qysar Ul Islam Shah
Kangri the earthen pot woven around the wicker filled with hot embers used by Kashmiris beneath their traditional Phern to keep the chill at bay. In the rich tapestry of Kashmiris cultural heritage Kangari has a special significance both in rural and urban areas. This earthen pot acts as a panaecia which is mostly used in the cold nights of Challie Kalaan.A special kind of charcoal made up of chinar,willow, popular apple and kiker twigs are used in kangri. It has rich history in kashmir since ages.
“Kangri” the indigenous fire pot that mostly snuggled between legs, feets and abdomen to provide immense warmath especially during chilli nights. Kashmiris store a potable and moving heater in the a long wollen cloak that reaches down to the knees and is used by people during winter months. It is carried as a personal warmer. It is the symbol of culture and tradition of our land. The Kangri has mention in Kulhans Rajtarangini and this name seems to have come from the Sanskrit word “Kashangarika”which comprises of two words “Kash” which means wood and “Angarika” which means Fire-embers. There is also a beautiful couplet about Kangri described as:
Ai Kangari ! Ai Kangri!
Kurbaan Tu Hoor Wu Peri !
The earthen pot known as “Kangri” in Kashmiri language is often associated with rich kashmiri cultural heritage since decades ago. It is believed that Kashmiris learned to use this specific item from Italians who used to visit this beautiful valley Kashmir during the reign of Mughals. Kangri as a part of tradition even in the modern times is immensely demanded and is used in public and private offices during winters. In Kashmir the usage of fire pots becomes necessary part, especially in winter seasons.There is no denying fact that it gives warmth and brings a lot of pleasure during winters.
In kashmir Charie Sharief town located in Budgam district is very much famous for a peculiar kind of kangri. The beauty of its kangri is depicted its colours and woven art to it that attracts a commoner. This type of Kangri are often purchased and to be presented as gifts. Kangri is a portable structure which can be easily carried to any place. Kangris are manufactured in every nook and corner of the valley. During the winter season people in Kashmir throng near the shop of Kangri seller in order to buy the most important thing. The Kangri has multifaceted usage like “Wudu Kangri” designed in a beautiful frame which is used for burning the essence during the marriage ceremonies Kashmir valley. Modern gadgets have been employed like gas heaters in cities and towns but it is impossible for a kashmiri to say goodbye to Kangri which is actually an inseparable part during the severe and harsh winters. During cold winters when snowflakes cover the ground area of the compound one is delighted to take Kehawa enjoying the warmath of Kangri inside Phern.
In the fast paced of world today we often take for granted the convenience of readily available industrial goods. But the essence of Kangri lies there in kashmiri culture.Years ago when people mostly in winter used to roast the egg in kangri that sometimes explodes which gave funny moments in chill season. Others may be roast the potatoes on the fuel of kangri.Such pleasing moments are associated with Kangri.Kangri has rich history in Kashmir. There is an esthetic significance to it too. During the holy and happy occasions kangri comes in use of lighting Isband that is often put into kangri and burn and flow of fragrant smoke makes the ambiance pleasant. It is believed that the smoke is much auspicious and purifies any negativity.
In Kashmir something more uncertain than weather is the power supply which characteristically gets more erratic in winters as one walks away from cities. Depending on this erratic power supply heating is more certain to Kashmir freezing. This is when the kangri comes to rescue. As soon as the Western disturbances affects the seaonal climates in Kashmir it has been witnessed that people busy in preparing or moving towards the fuel godowns to store it. The shivering cold can be minimised by holding the firepot under the traditional phern. The erratic power supply especially in farflung areas has obviously put their trust on the firepots. Come what may we cannot rule out the traditional way of using the firepots in our homes.
Qysar Ul Islam Shah teacher by profession hails from Sonnar Darpora Lolab.
