Tahir Hussain
Bandipora, January 17: The Kangri weavers of Kashmir valley are hoping for a good business in view of the cold winter season ahead and heavy snowfall from last two weeks.
The local Kangri artisans are firm in belief that they will make a good business this time around, as this year the winter season seems long lasting, as the valley is witnessing continuous snowfall from past many days.
The kangri is an effective and economical heating arrangement in the absence of electricity and continuous load-shedding as it does not disappoint people and keeps them warm in harsh winters. The kangri is kept inside the pheran (Kashmiri cloak) or inside the blanket to get warmth.
Mohammad Yousuf Ganae (48) from Kaloosa Bandipora is weaving Kangris from last two decades. He is hopefull of good sales this year owing to harsh winter and regular power cuts. "We are hopeful that we will make good business this year, as we will cash the opportunity of heavy snowfall this winter and lack of electricity as people cannot use electric heating gadgets," He added.
The importance of Kanger can be guessed from the famous proverb, “What Laila was on Majnuns bosom(famous lovers) so is the Kanger to a Kashmiri”.
It also finds its importance in Kashmir from historical, geographical and economic point of view, said Farooq Ahmad of Kaloosa Bandipora who belongs to Artisan family and is a teacher by profession.
The Kangri weaving is a main source of income for thousands of people in Kashmir in Winter Season.
The kangri remains a symbol of local craft which is eco-friendly and cost-effective and is irreplaceable as the frequent power cuts remains the talk of the every day in winter season in Kashmir.
The Kangri's are made across the Valley but the best quality Kangri's are made in Bandipora and Chrar town of Budgam as the best and experienced kangri artisans can be found in these areas. These Artisans are the masters in their art and are known for making best quality Kangri's in Kashmir.
Twigs of shrubs are collected from local forests and shrub nurseries and then; scraped and peeled the twigs are then soaked, dried, dyied and finally woven around the earthenware. The earthenware is later decorated with colourful threads, small pieces of mirrors and then painted with different colours. The Kangri's are then sold to customers for Rs 200-1500 depending upon the quality and design of kangri
