Hope on the Wheel: Kashmir Artisans Craft 40,000 Diyas for Diwali
Srinagar artisans are reviving traditional pottery to meet rising Diwali demand, producing 40,000 diyas while facing a critical clay shortage.
In the heart of Srinagar, the rhythmic spinning of pottery wheels is bringing a festive glow to Jammu and Kashmir. As Diwali approaches, local artisans have stepped up to produce at least 40,000 earthen diyas, turning a seasonal demand into a powerful movement to revive traditional pottery skills and secure livelihoods for the region's craftsmen.
From Imports to Local Innovation
For a long time, the Valley relied on sourcing traditional lamps from outside the region. However, that trend is shifting. Leading this revival is Mohamad Umer, a young entrepreneur and proprietor of the A.S. Potter Workshop, who saw an opportunity to bring diya-making back to Kashmir.
The journey began in 2020-21. According to Umer, the workshop started producing diyas after receiving initial orders for the traditional lamps. What began as a small-scale experiment has rapidly evolved into a thriving enterprise. The growth has been exponential; while the workshop sold approximately 25,000 diyas last year, production has jumped to 40,000 this year to keep pace with surging interest.
Going Digital: Reaching Beyond the Valley
The reach of these Kashmiri diyas is no longer limited to Srinagar or its surrounding neighborhoods. Thanks to the power of social media, the A.S. Potter Workshop has found a national audience.
Umer highlighted that platforms like Facebook and Instagram have been game-changers, bringing in hundreds of orders from across the country. This digital shift has allowed the workshop to expand its customer base far beyond the borders of the Valley, with products also being shipped to Jammu.
Variety and Craftsmanship
To cater to diverse tastes, the artisans are not sticking to a single design. The workshop produces three to four different varieties, including:
- Classic small lamps for traditional use.
- Diyas equipped with stands for stability.
- Large decorative pieces that house four to five diyas together.
A Crisis in the Clay
Despite the festive cheer and rising sales, a shadow looms over the future of this traditional craft: a severe shortage of raw materials. Umer has raised an alarm regarding the increasing difficulty in accessing quality clay, which is the lifeblood of the pottery industry.
In the past, the workshop sourced clay from Baramulla to produce kulhads (clay cups), but Umer notes that these supplies have now dried up. He warns that if the clay shortage persists, the artisans will be unable to fulfill orders for the coming year, potentially leading to a decline in the number of practicing potters in the region.
"If we don't have clay available, we won't be able to fulfil next year's orders. I appeal to the MLA and the Chief Minister about this... If they want to increase employment, they have to supply the clay," Umer stated.
Sustaining a Legacy
For the workers at the A.S. Potter Workshop, this is more than just a festive rush; it is their primary source of income. The sight of artisans shaping clay on traditional wheels is a testament to the resilience of the craft. With 12,000 diyas already sold and the festival still ahead, the artisans remain hopeful that every single one of the 40,000 lamps will find a home, lighting up celebrations across India while keeping a Kashmiri tradition alive.