KANGER

The people of Kashmir are in the habit of using a kind of fire-pot called Kanger in local dialect to warm their body in winter. Kanger is an artistically designed household gadget very popular for its use. A fully baked earthen bowl with somewhat closed opening is wrapped wholly with a beautiful wicker-work basket with suitable handles above making it quite safe to handle profusely with burning charcoal inside. This hot Kashmir firepot (Kanger) is usually taken inside Pharen, the traditional trademark Kashmir outer garment, a loose long robe with wide open sleeves usually made of course thick woolen cloth and held close to body mostly with both hands both while sitting, standing or walking. Kashmir people have a unique habit of doing all work quite comfortably in winters while sitting on a flat surface having a hot Kanger inside their Pharen keeping them warm. All Kashmir handicraft artisans do almost all artistic work quite efficiently sitting indoors in closed quarters while holding a Kangri under their Pharan. All this undoubtedly gives a reason to mention that it’s definitely an indication to the sharp wit and artistic taste of the people of Kashmir who have very wisely created a unique wonderful gadget for themselves to fight the severe cold of the valley much before the modern day cold fighting equipment was invented. Though nowadays most affluent houses in Kashmir have got all the modern electronic heating arrangements installed but the Kanger continues to occupy its important traditional space. Kanger is not only famous for its legitimate use but for its large association with Kashmir tradition and ethos. It enjoys an important place in the Kashmir folklore as almost all notable legends gracefully eulogize it here or there. Kanger has found an important place in some Vaakhs of the famous mystic poet of Kashmir Lalleshuri while describing some essential divine secrets. Moreover there is not a single Kashmir poet, writer or an artist both modern and ancient who hasn’t given it an important place in his or her creative art. Its use on special occasions like weddings, engagements and festivals in all seasons is worth a mention. When the new found relatives from daughter’s or son’s in-laws are received for the first time in the house they’re welcomed first by putting a pinch of incense seeds in a beautifully made Kangri with live charcoal inside. Immediately the whole atmosphere is filled with a special fragrant smoke considered auspicious and liable to ward off all evil spirits. The ritual is common with both Kashmir Muslims and Hindus. The displaced KPs, now living outside Kashmir continue with the tradition especially in Jammu where their establishments are in quite large number.