Some people suggest that the Kashmiris learnt the use of Kangri from the Italians in the retinue of the Mughal emperors, who usually visited the Valley during summer months. But historical data contradicts the claim that Kangri has come to Kashmir from Italy. Kang'r, as Kashmiris call it has been in general use in Kashmir since early times.
A Kangri is made up of two parts. The outer part is an encasement of wicker. Inside, there is an earthen bowl-shaped pot called a kundal. The outer encasement of wicker-work may at times be very pretty with its ornamentation of rings and brilliant colouring. A simple protective covering over the upper portion of wickerwork is called Woluhd Tsalan. This is in wooden or metal (iron or silver) and looks like a small 'cake server' and is used to turn the fire embers (Wokhul) in order to increase the heat. It is usually tied to a round wicker hook on the back of the Kangri. Wicker work is an important industry in Kashmir and it generates lot of income and is a source of livelihood for a large number of people .But due to mindless deforestation and the apathy of the Jammu and Kashmir government towards the plight of wicker work artisans, the industry is on the brink of extinction, claim Kangri artisans. Kangris on the basis of their of production and designs are divided into various categories such as Chare-Kangri or Bandepore Kangri, all deriving their names from the places where they are produced. These places are known and noted for Kangris. The crudely made Kangri, used by peasants has a bigger Kundal and is known as Graes Kangri(rural Kan'gr or poor man's Kan'gr ). The finely worked and coloured ones are known as the Khoja Kang'r (rich man's Kan'gr). The fuel used in Kangris is charcoal from Pohu wood and Chenar leaves during autumn.
Most people wear phiren in winter. They keep Kangri under it and do their normal work. Many people at night can easily take it inside their quilts. Due to this careless habit, many houses are destroyed by fire every year in Srinagar and villages, when during deep sleep, the Kangri falls, resulting in fire.
Kangri is a part and parcel of Kashmiris during Chilla Kalan(coldest part of winter) when the temperature drops several degrees below zero with a snow blanket all around and when no cloth can offer any defence against the freezing winter. Also the advanced gadgets for fighting winter frequently become useless as they work on electricity or gasoline and both of them are rare and scarce during the winter when the whole Valley is plunged in pitch darkness due to the break up of supply lines by heavy snowfall and the Valley is cut off from the rest of world because the Jawahar Tunnel becomes non-motorable due to heavy snow avalanches.
In these circumstances, Kangri is the only great weapon to fight the chill accompanied by winter. So enjoy this winter once again with Kangri for company.
