Power cuts add to JK winter woes

Frequent loadshedding forces people to resort to traditional kangris, bukharis, hamams

- FAYAZ WANI @ Srinagar

DESPITE the influx of new heating gadgets on the market, people in Kashmir still prefer traditional methods for keeping warm during the harsh winter. They rely on Kangris (earthen firepots), bukharis, and hamams to stay cozy, especially when nighttime temperatures drop well below freezing due to frequent and unplanned power cuts.

The 40-day harshest winter period known as Chilai Kalan has started in the Valley from December 21. The Chilai Kalan, during which the night temperature stays below freezing point and there are maximum chances of snowfall, would end on January 31. The snow that falls during this time period freezes. It is this snow that adds to the glaciers of the Valley and replenishes the perennial reservoirs that feed the rivers, streams and lakes in Kashmir during the months of summer.