Mudasir Ahmad
Srinagar, Nov 23 (KINS): As the cold grips Kashmir, a small village in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district is witnessing an existential crisis for its centuries-old craft.
Okey, famously known as the “Kangri village of Kashmir,” is home to about 1,000 families, with nearly 80% of its men folk engaged in the art of weaving Kangris, the traditional Kashmiri firepots.
For generations, families in this village have relied on crafting Kangris to sustain their livelihoods. Farooq Ahmad, a 60-year-old artisan, has been in the profession for the past four decades. “I inherited this craft from my father, and for four generations, our family has been deeply rooted in the art of making Kangris,” Ahmad told news agency KINS. However, he lamented that the craft is losing its relevance due to changing lifestyles and modern heating alternatives.
A Kangri, used to stay warm during the harsh winter, consists of an earthen pot filled with embers, encased in a wicker frame with two handles. Compact and portable, it can emit heat exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, providing warmth for hours. Despite its utility and cultural significance, its demand is on a steep decline.
Mehraj Din, another 60-year-old craftsman, echoed similar concerns.
“I learned this skill from my father and have passed it on to my sons. Decades ago, Kangris provided us with a decent income. Now, both demand and prices have dropped significantly over the past seven to eight years,” he said.
A decade ago, a basic Kangri sold for Rs 200, but it now fetches less than Rs 150. The primary reason for this decline is the increasing adoption of modern electric heating devices and advanced winter clothing, particularly in urban areas.
Craftsmen like Mehraj are finding it increasingly difficult to sustain their livelihoods. “The demand for Kangris is decreasing every year. My three sons and I barely earn Rs 1,000 daily. We have no other source of income, so we are compelled to continue this work. If the government steps in to preserve this traditional craft, only then can we keep this legacy alive,” he said.
The artisans of Okey village are appealing for governmental support to preserve the traditional art of Kangri-making. Without intervention, they fear this centuries-old craft, which has been an integral part of Kashmir’s cultural heritage, might disappear altogether. (KINS)
