Kashmir's Kangri: A Centuries-Old Firepot Tradition

In Kashmir, a place known for its beautiful landscapes, winters can be extremely cold, with temperatures dropping to minus 20 degrees Celsius.

To stay warm, people have been using a traditional firepot called a kangri for centuries.

The kangri is made of clay and wrapped in a woven willow casing.

It is filled with glowing embers and kept close to the body under a long woollen cloak called a pheran.

The kangri is not just a source of heat; it is also used to heal frostbite and is deeply woven into the daily life and culture of Kashmiris.

Artisans like Manzoor Ahmad, who weaves the willow casing, and Ghulam Qadri Kumar, who shapes the clay core, work hard to create these firepots.

However, the tradition is facing challenges as younger generations are less interested in the labor-intensive craft.

Despite this, the kangri remains a vital part of Kashmiri life, symbolizing resilience and the enduring power of tradition.