Nestled in the lap of gigantic mountains, crisscrossed by a gentle Nallah on the front side and bordered by a 14-foot-wide macadamized road, my village, Gadole, is situated 12 kilometers from the Tehsil headquarters in Kokernag and 40 kilometers from the district headquarters in Anantnag.
The village comprises two distinct sections: Gadole Payeen or Bon Gadole, characterized by densely packed houses and apple orchards, and Gadole Bala or Her Gadole, marked by sparse and unplanned housing.
According to the 2011 census, the village spans 690.8 hectares, with 1,612 houses built on the land. Although the number of houses has increased significantly since then, the village remains home to 12,540 inhabitants, known for their simplicity, honesty, and authenticity.
While modernization has undoubtedly impacted the local culture, certain traditional aspects continue to thrive. One such enduring custom is the evening gathering around a roadside fire, where locals come together to share stories and warmth from a humble tin fire pot.
Every year, with the onset of winter and snowfall, the men of our village gather at the Herm-adda, near the erstwhile upper bus stop, to warm themselves and socialize. As the cold reaches its peak and work slows down, they congregate in the evenings, huddling around a fire burning in a tin pot.
Though the fire ignites in the tin pot with the onset of *Chillai-Kalan*, the preparation for the fire and the congregation begins much earlier, in late November or early December.
First, fuel is collected and hoarded at a previously selected place, ensuring it remains dry and protected from moisture. The fuel for the fire is creatively sourced from discarded materials, including scrapped paper sheets, tattered remnants of worn-out clothes, fabric scraps from tailors, dried leaves, straw, and dried twigs and branches.
Once the necessary amount of fuel is gathered, a tin pot approximately three feet in height, two feet in length, and two feet in width is carefully chosen and modified to suit the occasion precisely. The tin pot is then stored away with the fuel.
When it finally snows and the branches of trees sag under its weight, the cold intensifies. The world turns white, serene, and silent. People find themselves caged inside beautiful white bars. Water freezes into gigantic white sugar cubes, slippery like the skin of a fish. Paths become dangerous pistes.
As the evening chill deepens and the mercury plummets, the local male folk converge at the designated gathering spot. The tin pot and fuel are brought forth, lit, and ignited, casting a warm glow over the assembly. The rising smoke dances, serving as a beacon, inviting stragglers to join the gathering.
As the fire crackles, the flames dance, and the embers redden, the attendees lose themselves in the warmth, camaraderie, and timeless atmosphere created around the tin pot. Time loses its weight. The surroundings are filled with the smell of fire, the glow of flames, and the sound of love and laughter.
Mesmerized by the flickering flames, the attendees engage in lively discussions. Conversations flow effortlessly, and diverse themes emerge, ranging from politics, religion, science, farming, and spring to love, wars, orchards, books, and folklore. The relaxed atmosphere encourages open sharing of thoughts.
Attendees speak their hearts out, sharing their deepest joys and terrible sorrows. They seek help, offer support, and extend a helping hand to one another. This fosters an unshakable sense of oneness, weaving the community together in a tapestry of empathy, sympathy, and unity.
Meanwhile, the younger folk in the crowd secretly whisper about the latest Bollywood releases. Mentioning a Hollywood movie is considered shameful or contrite. People here are so simple that to them, every English movie contains some sensitive content. Jokes are cracked, but they must always be polite and respectful. Lewd humor is strictly forbidden, and uttering one may lead to ostracism from the gathering, directly fostering a refined culture of healthy values and good principles.
The humble tin pot has thus transcended its practical purpose to become a powerful symbol of unity and togetherness for our villagers. Its warm flames foster a sense of synergy and harmony, bridging gaps and healing rifts. Even those who may have been at odds just moments before find themselves reunited, as if their differences had never existed.
The tin pot’s magic lies in its ability to bring people together, reminding us that community and social connection are the greatest warmth of all.
May the fire of the tin pot continue to burn bright, and may it serve as a beacon of unity and harmony for generations to come.
The writer is a teacher
Bashir Ahmad Dar
da**************@***il.comÂ