Dudran Village Thrives With Traditional Dairy and Natural Cooling in Harsh Kashmir Winters
December 21, 2025
Dudran is a small hilly village near the Line of Control in Baramulla district, Kashmir, about 100 km from Srinagar. The village is surrounded by steep slopes, forests, and streams. Life here is simple and close to nature. People rely mainly on farming and dairy. They grow pulses, corn, and vegetables on terraced fields carved into the mountains. Almost every family owns cattle to produce milk, butter, curd, and ghee. These dairy products are both daily food and a source of income. Without modern refrigerators, villagers use traditional methods to keep food fresh. They dry, smoke, and store food in stone and wooden structures called doud khot, which act like natural refrigerators. During winter, heavy snow and cold temperatures help keep food fresh for longer. Winters here are long and tough. Snow blocks paths and isolates the village. Houses are made with thick stone and wood walls and roofs of tin and mud to protect from the cold. Families gather around hearths using firewood for heat and cooking. Daily activities slow down, but social bonds grow strong, especially among children. Dudran’s villagers hold on to their rich traditions and hard work to live well despite isolation and challenges. Their connection to the land and simple, community-centered life shines through every season.
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Tags:
Dudran
Kashmir
Traditional Lifestyle
Dairy Farming
Natural Refrigeration
Winter Life
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