Winters in Kashmir especially certain months are very cold with freezing temperatures. Even though the amount of snowfall and the severity of the cold are lesser than the earlier times, still one needs to provide some type of heating arrangement in the homes. Traditionally, many Kashmiri homes have a special room called Hamam. This centrally located room in the ground floor has stone slabs as the flooring. Under these slabs there is a fireplace accessible from outside in which firewood is burnt. The stones get heated up and the room is quite warm. The heated stone slabs remain hot for quite some time. The disadvantage is that it is a solitary room in the entire house and everybody has to sit there for warmth. The rest of the house and other spaces like corridors etc. remain cold!
GULMARG
The Kashmir valley gets some of the heaviest snow in India. The gentle undulating meadows of Gulmarg (2,649m) are carpeted in a thick layer of snow. It’s ideal skiing terrain for first timers; and the more advanced have the option of slaloming down from Kongdor (accessed by cable car)—a 31/2 km run. It is also possible to trek several hours to the top of the Apharwat peak and ski down from there. Toboggans and snow scooters are also on hire. If you’re not the adventurous sort you can just admire the snows—the days are sunny and the skies crystal clear or take a joyride to Khilanmarg by cable car. Or you can sit by the fireplace, with a book and some hot coffee.
Coming to personal heating, Kashmiris have a unique system. We have mobile heaters called “Kangris”. It is an earthen pot in a wicker frame in which burning coals with ash on top are carried. This earthen fire pot is carried under a robe called “Pheran”. This has been the traditional system of personal heating from the earliest times. The best and the long lasting fire is from the coal made from dried Chinar leaves which are in abundance all over Kashmir in autumn.
It is said that the “Pheran” and “Kangri” was introduced in Kashmir by Mughals.
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