7 Indications Of Winter Approaching In Kashmir

DARBAR MOVE:
Do you know what marks the onset of winter in Kashmir? It is neither cold nor snow but a famous move that is quite similar to the migrating of birds, the Darbar-Move, exists only in J&K. The secretariat along with the other offices moves to the winter capital of Jammu. This is for two reasons, firstly it establishes equity in the administration between the two regions. Secondly, it enables the government to be functional and approachable away from the frozen lakes and roads of Kashmir.

 CHARCHA ON WINTER VACATIONS:

As soon as the Darbar Move ends, November starts.It does not matter whether vacations are declared or not, gossip about vacations begins (Even if they don’t have school going children or teachers at home) And ends only when vacations click in.

AAM AADMI KA DARBAR:

Next, comes the Aam Aadmi ka Darbar Move. When the entire government can move, so can the people. In fact, it's a fact that you’ll find more Kashmiris in Lajpat Nagar and Zakir Nagar in Delhi than in Kashmir. Even the airlines know this fact and what they do to cope up is they raise the fares.

CHANGEOVER TO PHERANS:

After the confusing October-November deciding what to wear- winter or summer. A complete renovation takes place. Pherans, kan-tops, mufflers, kangris, electric blankets, heaters surprisingly come out of nowhere. Kashmiris share an ionic bond kind of relationship with Pherans. Once you put on a Pheran, it sometimes proves difficult to take out your hands even to have food.  Take on Kangris, a pot filled with red-hot charcoal inside your dressing. NO product in the market so far has dared to challenge this warm up machine. And not just clothes, there is also a change in furnishing as well. Namdè-special Kashmiri carpet starts making appearances as well.

LOADS OF ELECTRIC BLANKET  

The most vital ingredient for a peaceful life in Kashmir. In the night the temperature dips further and if you are not prepared you might even turn to ice. Khaberkusjannat-gaar os su yemyibanewiczche (god bless the person who came up with the idea of an electric blanket.

HAMAM:

The word hamam is associated with exotic public Turkish bath, and a popular brand of soap. But In Kashmir, it means much more. A hamam is a room in which thick, hand-hewn rectangular slabs of limestone are laid over a hollowed-out floor, also considered as a central heater. All the excess papers lying around from last year goes straight into the Hamam. A special thanks extend to the Mughals for this innovation of undoubtedly, Hamam being the ultimate place of comfort and warmth in Kashmir. 

SNOWFALL AND FINALLY HARISSA

Finally, the most awaited things are here. First is Snow and you don’t need to go out to confirm, you can hear the cheerful voices saying “Sheen Mubarak” (“Happy Snowfall”). And the second best thing about winters in Kashmir is Harissa. Kashmiri Harissa is a special taste of Kashmir. It is made with the combination of meat, wheat grains, mung split, and rice. Name it and you’ll have every Kashmiri mouth automatically watering. People send it as a gift to their in-laws and, office superiors as well.