by Aiman Fayaz
SRINAGAR: In Srinagar’s Akhada Gali, a hub for crafting traditional Bukhari heaters, the enduring battle against winter has evolved. These heaters, with a long history, have been a hallmark of Kashmiri homes.
Maqbool Ahmad, a seasoned Bukhari maker, reflects on the changes after nearly four decades in the trade, noting a dwindling market with minimal bulk orders. “The market is tough these days,” Ahmad said.
As summer arrives, the focus in Maisuma’s Akhada Gali shifts. Workers transition from crafting Bukhari heaters to creating containers for storing grains and rice, showcasing their adaptability beyond conventional production.
The fading trade becomes more evident as the younger generation hesitates to embrace the demanding skill of shaping thin iron sheets. Maqbool, the last in his family dedicated to the craft, expresses the generational shift, saying, “Who wants to get their hands bruised all the time?”
The landscape of heating solutions in Kashmir has transformed, with traditional Bukhari systems facing competition from modern Turkish heaters and advanced heating radiators. Urfi Shontoo, a business professional, highlights the tendency to overlook proper heating arrangements in Kashmiri homes despite significant investments in construction and makeovers.
Water-based heating radiators gain prominence, offering a continuous supply of hot water and a warm environment. However, in a region plagued by constant power cuts, these modern systems struggle to establish themselves effectively. Urfi emphasizes, “Kashmiris need to grasp the importance of adding proper heating systems to their houses.” Surviving the prolonged winters, enduring over seven months, demands prioritizing reliable heating, lest it becomes a makeshift struggle.
