Kashmiris Embrace Tradition: Finding Warmth in Kangris and Hamams Amidst Power Outages

As electricity plays a game of hide and seek and individuals encounter prolonged and unplanned power outages, Kashmiris are resorting to Kangris, Hamams, and Bukharis to combat the cold and maintain warmth in the frigid climate.
The region is currently experiencing Chilla-i-Kalan, the 40-day most severe winter phase.
Srinagar has recorded its coldest night in 33 years with the temperature dropping to a bone-chilling minus 8.5 degrees Celsius on Saturday, marking the start of Chillai Kalan. Other locations throughout the valley also faced extreme sub-zero temperatures, which resulted in the freezing of water supply pipes in numerous areas.
In the absence of electricity, people are opting for traditional heating methods including kangris (earthen fire pots), wood-based ‘hamams,’ and ‘bukharis’ to stay warm.
The demand for these conventional heating solutions has surged as Kashmir endures one of the most severe winters in recent times.
Electricity in the majority of Kashmir is inconsistent, rendering electrically powered devices ineffective.
In metered regions, over 12 hours of power cuts are common, while areas without meters are also experiencing extended outages.
“With 12-hour cuts daily, we have reverted to using kangris. How are electronic heating devices supposed to function without electricity?” Javed Ahmed, a resident of uptown Srinagar, expressed.
Ahmed believes his expenditure on installing an air conditioner has “gone to waste”.
Abdul Ahad Wani, residing in the historic Rainawari area, mentioned he converted his wood-fueled hamam to an electric one.
“I thought the wood hamam was inconvenient, and the electric version would be superior as it operates at the push of a button. Those in power have a tendency to prove us wrong,” Wani stated.
With limited supply of LPG and kerosene in the open market, the shortage of electricity has created a lucrative market for sellers of traditional fuels such as wood and charcoal.
“All I can say is that the demand for wood has been robust this winter. People need to keep warm, and during these times, nothing beats wood,” remarked Mohammad Abbas Zargar, a firewood merchant.