What is Kangri?
- A kanger also known as kangri or kangid or kangir is an earthen pot woven around with wicker filled with hot embers used by Kashmiris and Himachalis beneath their traditional clothing to keep the chill at bay, which is also regarded as a work of art.
- It is about 6 inches (150 mm) in diameter and reaches a temperature of about 150 °F (66 °C)
- Twigs are collected from deciduous shrubs, scraped and peeled and go through a process of soaking, drying, dying and are finally woven around the bowl-shaped earthenware.
History of Kangiri
- It is generally believed that Kashmiris learnt the use of the kangri from the Italians who were in the retinue of the Mughal emperors, and usually visited the Valley during summer.
- Those visiting Kashmir for the first time during the winter season are surprised to find people carrying firepots in their hands or in their laps but every Kashmiri knows how to handle the apparatus with care.
Cultural connection
- Kashmiri Pandits burn kangri on the occasion of a local festival called Teela Aetham, marking the end of winter season.
- It is a part of Kashmiri tradition and even in modern times it sees a huge demand, and is even used in public or private offices during winters.
- Isband, aromatic seeds believed to push away negative energies, are burnt in a kanger to mark a good beginning to a party.
States that use Kangiri
- Beyond Kashmir, people of the erstwhile Hill states of Himachal, Uttarakhand, and some parts of Nepal also use versions of Kangri.
- In Kangra and Chamba districts of Himachal Pradesh, the Kangri is used as a personal heater.
Features of Kangri
- The traditional kangri, fire-pot, in the Indian-administered Kashmir, keeps people warm during the severe winter months when temperature dips to as low as minus 20.
- It is a portable and moving heater that Kashmiris keep in their pheran, a long woollen cloak reaching down to the knees worn by people during the frosty winters.
- In the absence of electricity or load-shedding, it does not disappoint people and keeps them warm in harsh winters.
- The kangri remains an enduring emblem of local craft that is eco-friendly and cost effective.
- It may be used as a hand warmer
Courtesy by: iasinsights.in
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