NVI Correspondent
Srinagar, Nov 30 (NVI): With harsh winters starting to hold tight grip over Kashmir and long power cuts disrupting the use of modern heating gadgets, the traditional Kangri (fire pots) has seen a revival.
Despite the rise of electronic heating devices, the Kangri, a small portable firepot, remains a trusted and accessible source of warmth for the majority of households in Kashmir.
Local Kangri makers have reported a noticeable increase in demand. Ghulam Hassan Shakhsaz, a renowned Kangri artisan from Srinagar, said: “The demand for Kangris this season is very good. People prefer them because even when there is no electricity, they provide instant warmth, unlike electric heaters that are useless during power cuts.”
The challenge of frequent power outages in Kashmir has made electronic heating gadgets impractical for many households. Shabir Ahmad, another Kangri maker, explains, “While modern heaters are often advertised as better options, they are of no use during blackouts. We have seen a significant rise in our business as people return to using Kangris, which are reliable and affordable.”
While newer gadgets may be more convenient, the Kangri continues to be a resilient symbol of Kashmiri culture and practicality, adapting to modern-day challenges. For many, it’s not just about staying warm—it’s about preserving a tradition that has stood the test of time.
As per the latest power schedule announced by the power department of Kashmir, there will be 4.5 hour power cut in metered areas and 6 hour cuts in non metered areas but the schedule on ground is quite different from the promised one.
Power has always been a major issue in Kashmir and this year the problem has further aggreviated given the fact that water level in rivers and streams has gone down to all time low due to persistent dry spell for the past five months. Local generation has dipped to below 500 MWs and it is the huge power purchases from the northern grid that are meeting the power requirements in the Valley. (News Vibes of India)
