Shafaqna English- Fishermen harvest lotus stems locally known as “Nadru” from the cold waters of lakes in Kashmir during winter months when agricultural activity elsewhere comes to a halt.
Using traditional wooden boats and long hooked poles, harvesters work through dense lotus beds, often wading chest-deep into freezing water to pull the edible stems from the lakebed. Nadru is a staple in Kashmiri cuisine and features prominently in traditional dishes especially during winter.