Dudran’s Doud Khots: Ancient technique of storing milk sustains livelihoods

Dudran's Doud Khots have become symbols of sustainability (Photos: Media India Group/ Masrat Nabi)

Nestled in captivating landscapes about 42 km from Baramulla in Jammu & Kashmir, Dudran stands as a timeless village, untouched by the rapid pace of modernity. In a world preoccupied with technological advancements, Dudran stands out as a paradise of tradition and resilience.

Here, the rhythm of life follows the age-old wisdom of its women, who have mastered the art of preserving dairy products without relying on modern refrigeration.

Doud Khots are covered and enclosed with wood to protect milk from animals

Doud Khots are small cave-like structures that act as natural refrigerators for the villagers who use them to store milk and milk products. The village’s distinction is attributed to its geographical features, particularly the presence of springs and glaciers that keep the products cool and fresh. The Khots have stone walls and wooden roofs and have wooden fencing around them to protect the milk and other products from animals. Villagers deal in only cow milk and its products and they have been faithfully following this tradition for decades, turning Dudran into a symbol of continuity and cultural resilience.

Fameeda Begum

For decades, the women of Dudran have been relying on Doud Khots to store their milk, cheese and butter. Fameeda Begum, a 59-year-old, housewife and entrepreneur, proudly recounts her journey to entrepreneurship.

“Our reliance on Doud Khots transcends generations and it has evolved from a mere tradition to a thriving source of income,’’ Begum tells Media India Group.

The women of Dudran have honed their expertise in meticulous maintenance of Doud Khots, skilfully regulating the temperature to create an ideal environment to preserve their prized dairy products. This age-old technique not only preserves their cultural heritage but also serves as a sustainable means of livelihood in the face of modern changes.

“In my daily routine, I make sure to store two to four pots of milk in the cave to produce butter and curd. After five days, I bring the milk home and churn it into wholesome butter. It brings me immense pride to share that my efforts yield tangible rewards, allowing me to earn up to INR 20,000 per month by selling these pure dairy products and milk. What truly sets my offerings apart is a commitment to purity. The dairy products emerging from Dudran’s Doud Khots are a testament to natural goodness, rich in health and nutrients. Devoid of any artificial preservatives, I take great care in ensuring that each product reflects the authentic taste of pure, unadulterated dairy,” says Begum.

In winters, when sub-zero temperatures prevail, fresh milk finds a haven within earthen or steel pots snugly stored inside the khots. This ingenious practice maintains the milk’s warmth and facilitates its effortless transformation into curd.

Dudran’s Doud Khots have become symbols of sustainability, weaving together tradition, entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to purity. As these women navigate the delicate dance between heritage and modernity, this stands as a living testament to the enduring strength of age-old practices in the face of a rapidly changing world.

Saima Akhtar

One of the primary advantages of a Doud Khot lies in its ability to keep milk and dairy products fresh for several days without the need for electricity. In a world where refrigerators are ubiquitous, these Doud Khots can be seen as sustainable and climate-resilient practices.

“Within our village, the absence of refrigerators is conspicuous. Over the years, we’ve come to rely on Doud Khot, and surprisingly, it meets our needs with utmost efficacy. This indigenous practice has seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, showcasing its reliability over time. The lack of refrigeration technology hasn’t hindered our lifestyle. Instead, Doud Khot has been our faithful companion. Its consistent functionality has made it an integral part of our community, emphasising that simplicity often begets efficiency,” Saima Akhtar, another woman using the traditional technique tells Media India Group.

Remarkably, Dudran has carved a niche for itself as a haven of dairy prowess. Every woman contributes to this thriving economy, a testament to their strength and ingenuity. The village’s literacy rate may be modest, and formal education may be a luxury, but Doud Khot has become an invaluable teacher, offering practical skills that sustain livelihoods.

The local women say that Doud Khot is much more than just a method of refrigeration. It is a celebration of heritage, a sustainable practice that has adapted to changing times, they say. In an era dominated by machines, these women say that they have found a way to blend tradition with entrepreneurship, proving that sometimes the simplest solutions are the most enduring.

“I vividly recall my childhood, when our homes were graced by this natural refrigerator. During the scorching summer months, my mother ingeniously preserved milk and perishables in our very own Dodh Khot,’’ 74-year-old Ashraf Mohammad tells Media India Group, fondly reminiscing about a tradition spanning decades.

‘‘This time-honoured practice, woven into the fabric of daily life, is not just a relic of the past but a living legacy embraced by every household in their village,’’ he adds.

‘‘In our village, each household boasts its own Doud Khot, and we wear this distinction with pride. Thanks to the Almighty, the tradition persists, and our new generation is fervently adopting this invaluable practice,’’ says Mohammad.

‘‘Our village stands as a singular beacon in Kashmir, proudly claiming the title of the sole community possessing a natural fridge, a distinction they cherish and guard zealously,’’ he adds.

‘‘We take immense pride in our natural fridge, and we are committed to passing down this legacy to our future generations. It is not just a tradition, it is a testament to our resilience and the enduring bond we share with our ancestral practices,’’ says Mohammad, with a sense of responsibility and reverence for their cultural heritage.

In an ever-changing world, Doud Khot stands as a symbol of continuity, connecting the past with the present and safeguarding a unique cultural heritage for the times yet to unfold, he says.