In Photos: The Making of Kangri That Keeps Kashmiris Warm

For decades Kashmiris have used the traditional fire-pot called Kangri, for keeping themselves warm during winters.

(Photo Courtesy: Muneeb Ul Islam) 

When the wintry chills grips Kashmir, the traditional portable fire-pot is what Kashmiris live by.

The Kangri is a portable pot that is filled with charcoal.

For decades, Kashmiris have used the traditional fire-pot called Kangri, for keeping themselves warm even during the sub zero temperatures.

It functions as a heater, except it is a portable pot that Kashmiris fill with charcoal and keep in their pheran – which is a knee-length traditional woollen cloak worn by the people during the frosty winters.

The Kangri works as a portable heater that stays snug inside the pheran.

Kangri involves two stages of production — the first is the making of an earthen pot by a potter and the second is the weaving of a small wicker basket of sorts. The earthen pot is kept within the wicker basket to prevent the burning of hands on contact with the hot pot, which is filled with red-hot charcoal. The Kangri can also be carried inside blankets.

A potter makes an earthen kangri.

The Kangri can also be carried inside blankets.

Earthen Kangri pots on display.

An average Kangri comes for Rs 120 a piece.

A man gives finishing touches to a Kangri.

The most famous Kangris are made in Chrar-e-Sharif area and Bandipora while there are artisans related to this craft present in the entire Valley.

The popularity of Kangri comes from the fact that it can heat up to 150 °F (66 °C) – at a cheaper price than oil, gas, and wood-fired heaters. An average Kangri comes for Rs 120 a piece and a handful of charcoal is all you need to ignite one.

The Kangri takes over marketplaces in the Valley during winter.

For over a decade now, fewer people use the Kangri, opting instead for other compact heating equipment that has flooded the markets. As a result, Kangri makers have suffered losses.

Kangris on sale.

Kangri being sold at a market place in Anantnag district of Kashmir.

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