Sociologically, culture has two components namely material and non material. Simply material components comprise of all the tangible things and non material components comprises of non tangible aspects. However, both the components are vital in creating identity of a society. Kanger, being material component of the culture of Kashmir society find its unique place at different occasions and serve as a loyal servant in winters. The presence of Kanger in every household of Kashmir society has made it symbolic for representing winter season and several rituals in Kashmir society. Kanger as a source of warmth best serves, when a person wears pheran. So usage of Kanger determines the dress of people of Kashmir in winters. Kashmir is known for its hospitality and in winters, Kanger is the first thing that is served to the guest. At times, sharing a Kanger acts as means of social interaction among people, at public places like hospitals, banks, public transport.
1. A Kanger is also called as kangri, kangir or kangid. In English, Kangri is referred as a Fire pot. Kanger is made of two parts, inner part and outer part. Inner part is known as kundal, made by Kraal (potter) from clay and acts as a container for the source of heating i.e. charcoal.
Kundal is a deep, cone shaped with circular top and slight flat bottom earthen pot. Kundal filled with heating material, charcoal cannot be used naked. It is unsafe and difficult to use.
In order to make the use of Kundal safe, easy and decorative, its outer part becomes important. Outer part is a basket like structure weaved of twigs (specifically meant for it). It comprises of three parts, broad bottom as a base, middle part surrounds the kundal and upper part for handling. Inner part of Kanger slightly differs in size and shape. It is the outer part, that differs from kanger to kanger and determines the price of a kanger. More the decorative outer part of the kanger, more will be its price. Slightly different but similar to Kundal, there is another earthen pot used for heating in Kashmir society called Kang. Kang is circular clay pot with its own base and handle. It is not surrounded by twigs. Its use needs more care and safe handling than kanger. To keep and use the heating material charcoal in a better way, small flatten spoon shaped instrument called czallan is tied in both Kangri and Kang. Czallan is made of wood, iron or bronze.
There are numerous rituals in Kashmir society, where Kanger find important position. Almost all the rituals of marriage in Kashmir are inaugurated with the burning of izband seeds in Kanger for fragrance. In the very first ritual of marriage in Kashmir called ‘ghar wuchaay’ or ‘pailas trawun’ guests from the side of bridegroom are honoured with the fragrance of izband seeds put into the hot embers of Kanger. Similarly, the same practice is followed in all the rituals of marriage. So Kanger comes first in all our marriage practices ( nishaen, saatnaam, satem,phir sale etc) than any eatables, dishes like tea, sweets even famous kashmiri wazwan. Izband seeds have a pleasant fragrance. Where ever, fragrance of izband seeds is needed, kanger becomes essential. Every time, the guests from both sides (bride and bridegroom) are honoured with izband fragrance on visiting each other’s homes. This practice is performed preferably in a well decorated Kanger. So translating Kanger into fire pot in English language is narrowing its scope and meaning. It seems Kanger is the best translation of kanger. Kanger is among the important gifts given in marriage ceremonies in Kashmir. Kanger gifted to bride is called as Mahrine Kanger and Kanger gifted to bridegroom is called Mahraz Kanger.
With the arrival of winters, kangrer becomes the most demanded item in the market. There are different kinds of Kangeries in the market. These differ in size, shape, strength, thinness/thickness of twigs made off. The price of Kangri ranges from Rs 120 to Rs 1500. Kangri weaving as an economic activity is prevalent throughout the Kashmir. In central district Budgam, few villages are associated with the kangri weaving. And in these villages only few households weave Kangries. Same is the case, with other districts, of the Kashmir. Among the Kangeries, Czar Kanger is very famous for its beauty. Czhaer kanger is weaved in Chrarisharif , area of district Budgam. This kanger is costly as it is weaved out of very thin twigs, with beautiful designs and colours.
Economically, Kanger making is associated with the livelihood of number of people like potter, Kangri weaver, czenwool (Charcoal Seller) and Kangerwool (kanri seller) and Kaniwool (who repairs kangries). Mostly kanger making is male dominant profession but the charcoal needed for it is female dominated activity. Women in villages make charcoal mostly during autumn and add to their income by selling the charcoal bags. In winters, the first activity in the morning in homes is to fill the Kangeries with charcoal. Similarly, evenings in Kashmir begin with same activity and ends with the companionship of kanger in bedding. Children too demand for Kangeries, as there are little kangeries available in the market. The kangeries become centre of joy for children, when elders keep egg or potato for them in it. The ashes from the Kangeries are heaped and preserved for the agricultural purposes. These ashes are mostly used for preparing paddy seedling beds. Like other various objects, kanger too has demerits. One common and prevalent incident of Kanger is burning of clothes found in all age groups. It sometimes led to fire and burning incidents. Its excessive use may lead to skin burns that may have other health related ramifications. In neighbourhood conflicts, it is used as arms. Most notorious fight among the fights is the one, in which Kanger gets used as arms. It is quite helpful for smokers using hookah. Before using hooka, smokers ask for Kangri or kang.
The coming of various heating appliances like room heaters, gas heaters, air conditioners could not replaced the kangri from our society. As all these modern heating gadgets are dependent on electricity and are costly. The hide and seek of electricity in winters of Kashmir, is important reason for the continuity of Kangri as a servant in winters. In winters, all the electricity dependent heating gadgets surrender in front of the simplicity and loyalty of Kanger. Kangri accompanies us, wherever we go, and same is not possible with these modern heating gadgets. The Changes from last few decades in Kashmir society can be seen everywhere. Several crafts either disappeared or diminished from the society. But the Kangri as a craft, as a cultural component of our society sustained its position and significance in the society not only in winters but also in various rituals of Kashmir society. Kangri may have lost its significance in rich families in winters due to coming of modern gadgets; still they use it in various rituals. But in poor families, Kangiri is the only hope and companion in winters.
Author is a school teacher and can be reached at dr.naseerwani11@gmail.com
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