Pulhor or Pulhoer is a traditional sleeper made from dried paddy grass by Kashmiris, but it has largely faded from Kashmiri culture and society today. Once a symbol of Kashmiri identity, this representation of our rich and beautiful heritage has been lost over time due to modern influences. In the past, Pulhor was a common sight in every Kashmiri household. It was particularly favored by Kashmiri laborers, who took great pride in wearing it while working. The Pulhor was especially beneficial during the snowy winters, as it provided slip resistance, reducing the risk of falling on the icy ground. In those days, thatched roofs made of dried paddy grass were prevalent, and Kashmiris used the Pulhor to clear accumulated snow from their roofs, making it a practical and economical choice for this task.
All that was needed to weave Pulhor was dry paddy grass, which was abundant in Kashmir, making it accessible for anyone who could weave it. However, while there was no special expertise required to create a Pulhor, not everyone was able to do so. Pulhor is a traditional type of footwear in Kashmir, resembling modern chappals, sandals, or slippers. The tradition of footwear in Kashmir likely began with the use of Pulhor, which is also spelled as Pulhore.
In the past, Kashmiris used to wear Pulhor instead of boots or chappals. During the bone-chilling winters, Pulhor provided some relief to their feet. This traditional footwear was essential for Kashmiris in ancient times, protecting their feet from snow, thorns, and other harsh elements. Visitors to Kashmir also relied on Pulhor when climbing the mountains, as it made traversing the rugged terrain easier. However, with modernity and the passage of time, the practice of making and wearing Pulhor has faded, and it has largely disappeared from our society. Today, it can still be found in some remote areas of the valley, where a few elderly individuals continue to wear it. Unfortunately, it has been overshadowed by modern clothing and scientific garments. Pulhor remains a symbol of Kashmiri culture, alongside the Pheran, Khraw, and Kangri - the traditional firepot. The Pheran is still widely worn by Kashmiris, not just in Kashmir but also by Kashmiri Pandits and others who wear it outside the region to keep warm during the winter. Along with the Pheran, the Kangri is still used today in Kashmir to combat the biting cold. Every Kashmiri relies on the Kangri during the winter months to stay warm.
The Khraw, a traditional footwear, has nearly vanished from Kashmir, as it is rarely seen today. Made of wood, Kashmiris used it for short distances in their local surroundings. Many aspects of Kashmiri culture that once adorned the lives of its people have been lost over time due to modernity. However, the Pheran and Kangar remain vital elements of our culture, providing comfort during the winter months. While there may no longer be a need for weaving, maintaining, and using Puhor, it is essential to preserve these cultural artifacts that set us apart from other societies. They are part of our identity, and we must protect them from fading away. It is our duty to educate our children about these cultural elements so they can understand our roots and heritage. Future generations should be aware of these traditions, even if they seem unnecessary in today's modern world. It is a source of pride that the Pheran and Kanger continue to be widely used, offering us warmth and comfort during the harsh winters of Kashmir. Surviving the winter season here would be challenging without these indigenous cultural items that shield us from the biting cold.
Kashmiris continue to rely on the Pheran and Kangri to shield ourselves from the biting cold, making life in Kashmir seem impossible without these traditional items. Even in today's modern world, the significance and use of the Pheran and Kangri remain strong. Referring back to the title of this piece, it's clear that the Pulhor is no longer essential, as there are numerous types of footwear available in contemporary Kashmir, leading to a decline in the Pulhor's value. However, it is our duty to preserve the Pulhor so that both we and future generations can learn about this once-important item that has faded in relevance. Therefore, we should educate our children about the Pulhor and other aspects of our rich and beautiful culture.
(Writer:- Vivek Koul)
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