Dudran is a quintessential hilly village located in the Uri area near the Line of Control in the Baramulla district of northern Kashmir. Situated about 100 km from the winter capital, Srinagar, the village is shaped by nature, tradition, and resilience. Surrounded by steep slopes, dense forests, and flowing streams, Dudran stands as a quiet settlement connected to the land it rests upon. Its remote location along the border adds both beauty and challenge to everyday life.
Traditional life in Dudran remains simple and community-centred.
Villagers depend largely on agriculture and livestock for their livelihood. Terraced fields carved into the mountainsides are used to grow pulses, corn, and, in some cases, seasonal vegetables. The residents also focus on dairy farming, with almost every household owning cattle for milk production. Fresh milk, butter, curd, and ghee are not only daily staples but also a source of income for many families.
Refrigeration in Dudran relies mostly on traditional and natural methods. In the absence of widespread modern appliances, villagers preserve food through drying, smoking, and storing it in cave-like stone and wooden structures built on the terraces of the hills, which act as natural refrigerators. On an average winter day, men can be seen chopping firewood and arranging haystacks while women transport firewood from nearby forests. Many women also process milk into butter and ghee using traditional manual churning methods to extend shelf life. During winter, snow and freezing temperatures act as natural refrigeration, keeping food fresh for long periods.
Winters in Dudran are long and severe. Heavy snowfall often isolates the village, making self-sufficiency essential. Homes are built with thick stone and wooden walls and thatched tin and mud roofs to protect against the cold. Families gather around traditional hearths, using firewood for warmth and cooking. Daily life slows, but social bonds grow stronger here as children connect the families together.
Despite isolation and uncertainty, the people of Dudran continue to preserve their traditions, sustain their dairy-based lifestyle, and remain deeply rooted in their homeland.