by Rayees Ahmad Kumar
During mid-Chillai Kalan, when parts of the valley are blanketed in snow, these skilled workers travel from village to village, offering Kangri repair services in people’s homes. Wickerwork is the primary occupation in this hamlet, sustaining their livelihoods.
Recently, social media showcased the exquisite craftsmanship of the residents of Okay (Wakai) Village in Kulgam district. This village, located near the main town of Kulgam, is renowned for its artistry in manufacturing Kangris. Amidst the biting cold and harsh winter, when the absence of electricity and frequent power outages render household electrical appliances ineffective against the bone-chilling cold, our centuries-old traditional Kangri emerges as a saviour. To combat the chill of Chillai Kalan, locals use this earthen pot woven around with wicker and filled with hot embers, placing it beneath their traditional pheran. This practical necessity is also considered a work of art.
The global recognition of Okay Village is not limited to social media but extended to print and electronic media, which covered its story extensively. This village is renowned not only for its wickerwork in Kangri and basket making but also for various other traditions and art forms. But this is not the only village that is into Kangri-making.
Situated on both sides of the Kulgam-Qazigund stretch of NH 444, Gundipora lies approximately six kilometres from Qazigund and nine kilometres from Kulgam town. As part of a domicile panchayat village and close to the small habitation of Wubber, Gundipora is populated by kind-hearted, selfless, and altruistic individuals. Despite most of the village population being non-agriculturalists with only a couple of kanals of land, their golden hands excel in wickerwork. Annually producing thousands of Kangris and wicker baskets, the villagers sell their creations not only in nearby villages but throughout South Kashmir.
Gundipora’s Kangris and wicker baskets are renowned across the valley for their aesthetics and affordable prices. During mid-Chillai Kalan, when parts of the valley are blanketed in snow, these skilled workers travel from village to village, offering Kangri repair services in people’s homes. Wickerwork is the primary occupation in this hamlet, sustaining their livelihoods. In September and October, residents from adjacent villages flock to Gundipora to purchase Kangris for their families before the onset of winter.
Beyond its renowned wickerwork, Gundipora stands out for several additional reasons. This land has fostered the talent of eminent Sufi and mystic poets, whose contributions to the literary world have gained wide acclaim. One such figure is Gulam Hassan Gundpori, a prominent Sufi poet known for composing numerous Sufi songs and manqabats dedicated to revered saints of Kashmir. His masterpiece, a manqabat dedicated to Syed Hussain Simnani, reflects his poetic prowess and spiritual beliefs. Posthumously published, his poetry collection garnered significant attention among readers, recognizing his poetic worth.
Gulam Hassan Gundpori, beyond his role as a noted poet, was a pious and philanthropic individual. In addition to his literary contributions, Gundipora takes pride in being a hub for musical sensations within the district. The village has produced a cadre of talented vocalists, whose melodious and soulful voices resonate not only in local events but also find airtime on Radio Kashmir Srinagar and Doordarshan Kendra stations.
Recalling childhood memories, a famous lyrical song by Sufi poet Niyama Sahib, Poshai Laghou Wa Zailie Lo, sung by the eminent vocalist Abdul Salam Gundpori, would grace Radio Kashmir’s Yuva Vani Service at night.
Today, another celebrated singer, Yaseen Gundpori, has captivated the internet with his soulful rendition of Samad Mir’s prominent song Padh Padh Ke Gaya Pathar Likh Likh Ke Gaya Chour. His performances, often accompanied by a youth beating a terracotta pitcher and another playing the violin, can be found on YouTube, where tens of devotional songs by Yaseen Gundpori are available.
Aijaz Hassan Gundpori, a central musical sensation of the village and the son of the late Gulam Hassan Gundpori, has gained widespread recognition through his YouTube channel. Hosting hundreds of Sufi and folk music songs, his videos attract thousands of views and hundreds of comments shortly after release. Aijaz, following in his father’s footsteps, both directs and vocalises lyrical songs, with one of his popular compositions, Mei Kormut Khudayan Sayi Dilbaro – Che Chai Pata Lael Gesa Zaya Dilbaro, frequently resonating in wedding ceremonies and cultural events. An accomplished poet, Aijaz appears to have inherited the artistic legacy from his father. While acknowledging the artistic prowess of leading singers in the village, it’s essential to mention Bilal Gundpori.
Yaseen Gundpori, an emerging artist from Gundipora, has garnered acclaim on social media for his melodic rendition of Zarum Na Doorer Khuda Gawah Chum. In the vicinity, Abdul Gani Bhat, known as Nyama Kak, adds a touch of humour and satire to the artistic landscape. Proficient in playing the flute, engaging in indigenous dance, and singing Ladakhi songs with captivating tunes, Nyama Kak is also a skilled Kangri and wicker basket artisan. During local craft sales, he entices potential buyers with his splendid artistic performances.
To preserve the rich artistic heritage passed down by their fathers and forefathers, the youth of Gundipora are passionately involved in poetry and singing. Nearly every young individual in the village possesses a natural talent for singing or poetry. The fertile artistic soil of the village seems to nurture these talents, as every aspirant in the field shines like a midnight star. Recognising the significance of cultural preservation, the villagers are committed to safeguarding their traditions and identity.
As the saying goes, undermining a nation’s culture and traditions is a potent means of eroding its identity. The villagers understand this, emphasising the imperative to protect their cultural heritage and maintain their unique traditions.
(A teacher, the author is a writer from Qazigund, Kashmir. Ideas are personal)
