Locally made electric blankets are proving to be the best alternatives for traditional kangri and these blankets are in good demand in Kashmir, say manufacturers. These blankets are capable of heating an entire room within a few minutes while using minimal energy. These blankets not only provide an alternative to traditional kangri but also to ammams.

Electric blankets are the latest addition to heating measures in Kashmir for insulating people against a bone-chilling cold. These blankets are also made in Kashmir, which has proved a remunerative market for the electric blankets so far given the temperature often goes sub-zero after the autumn season. A specialised heating element consisting of around 80 percent chromium and 20 percent nickel coated with Teflon for safety is being used for its manufacturing and heat is supplied with electricity via a cord having a power control switch connected to it. Kashmiri have been using the electric blankets for several years now and one of its features that helped it to thrive is a safety factor that it provides in comparison to other cold-fighting apparatus.

The electric blankets have certainly helped people from the fuss of preparing a kangri in winters with charcoal, but the new edition has not completely outdone the traditional heating medium. The cost of a single blanket starts from Rs 750, while the price for a double blanket starts from Rs 1,500.