Demand for Warm Clothes Surges in Kashmir Amid Freezing Winter
Srinagar, Dec 26, : The biting cold this winter has spurred a brisk sale of warm clothing across Kashmir, with markets bustling as residents gear up to combat the harsh weather. From bustling bazaars in Srinagar to small shops in rural areas, woolen garments, jackets, and thermal wear are flying off the shelves as temperatures continue to plummet.
Vendors at Srinagar’s Lal Chowk and Polo View markets reported a significant increase in footfall, with people purchasing winter essentials such as pashmina shawls, woolen caps, gloves, and heavy coats. “This year, sales have been particularly strong. People are buying in bulk to prepare for the intense cold,” said Zahoor Ahmad, a shopkeeper in the area.
Street vendors and roadside stalls have also benefited from the surge in demand. Items like mufflers, socks, and kangris (traditional Kashmiri firepots) are popular among locals seeking affordable options to stay warm. “The kangri is still a winter staple here. Even as modern heating solutions gain popularity, people rely on it for consistent warmth,” said a vendor in Anantnag.
The increased activity in the markets comes as Kashmir experiences freezing temperatures, with many areas recording sub-zero nights. Srinagar recently registered its coldest night of the season at minus 7 degrees Celsius, intensifying the need for proper winter gear.
Tourists visiting the region are also contributing to the uptick in sales. Shops in tourist hotspots such as Gulmarg and Pahalgam are seeing a steady demand for jackets, snow boots, and other winter essentials. “Visitors often underestimate how cold it gets here. Once they arrive, they make a beeline for shops selling warm clothes,” said Ghulam Nabi, a retailer in Gulmarg.
Local artisans, who specialize in hand-knitted sweaters and woolen garments, are witnessing a boost in business as well. “Our handmade items are unique and durable, so people prefer them over machine-made clothes,” said Haseena Begum, a craftsperson from Budgam.
However, the soaring demand has also led to a rise in prices, with some residents complaining about the high cost of winter wear. “Good quality jackets and woolens are expensive this year. But with this cold, we have no choice but to buy them,” said Bashir Ahmad, a resident of Baramulla.
