Irfan Ahmad
Srinagar, Dec 8: As Kashmir has started experiencing intense cold and wet weather;,people have started preparations for the coming weeks of intense cold.
For last few days, the upper reaches received moderate to heavy snowfall while plans received rainfall resulting in dip in temperatures in the valley. During nights, the temperature has remained below freezing point in the valley.
Kashmiris have started using traditional ‘Kangri’ and wearing ‘Pheran’.
Kangri is a fire pot that is kept inside ‘Pheran’, a traditional long flowing tweed over-garment, to keep the freezing winter away.
As Kashmir witnesses frequent power cuts during winters, locals use Kangri, a cheap and effective way to keep warm.
Kaisar Ahmad, a shopkeeper in Beerwah Budgam said due to poor electric supply they use the Kangri on a daily basis. With its potability, they can take it anywhere.
“The recent snowfall has brought the temperature down. To keep ourselves warm, we use Kangri as it is cheaper than oil, gas and heaters,” Kaisar said.
The price of Kangri varies. An ordinary firepot is sold between Rs 200 to Rs 250. The price could go up depending on the art work and material used.
Use of Kangris has its own set of problems. Doctors warn that excessive use and heat of Kangris could lead to skin cancer. (KINS)
