Harmony in Clay: Muslim Family in J&K Crafts Thousands of Diyas for Diwali
A Muslim family in Udhampur, J&K, is crafting thousands of clay diyas for Diwali, blending traditional pottery with communal harmony.
In the quiet village of Baishti in the Chenani area of Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, the spirit of Diwali is being shaped by hands that embody communal harmony. Mohammad Farooq and his family, who are Muslims, are currently working tirelessly to produce thousands of traditional clay diyas, ensuring that homes across the region are lit with warmth and tradition this festive season.
A Legacy of 35 Years
For Mohammad Farooq, pottery is not just a business but a lifelong journey. Having started his craft at the tender age of 18, Farooq has spent over 35 years mastering the art of earthenware. What began as a personal skill has evolved into a family legacy, with his two sons and a helper working alongside him to meet the surging demand of the festival.
The family doesn't stop at diyas; they are artisans of versatility. They produce nearly 50 different varieties of earthenware, ranging from small decorative pieces to large functional pots, catering to a wide array of customer needs.
The 'Vocal for Local' Revival
The journey hasn't always been smooth. Farooq recalls a period when the demand for traditional pottery declined, threatening the survival of the craft. However, a shift in national perspective has breathed new life into his workshop.
Farooq credits the government's 'Vocal for Local' initiative and the Prime Minister's emphasis on indigenous products for this revival. He specifically notes that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the suggestion to use earthen pots for storing water instead of relying on refrigerators sparked a renewed interest in clay products.
"I started when I was 18. There was a period when the work slowed down, but since the government and the Prime Minister himself began emphasising the use of earthen products... there has been a renewed focus on this craft," Farooq shared.
Mann Ki Baat and Community Reach
The impact of this awareness is felt deeply by the younger generation of the family. Mohammad Hanif, Farooq's son, highlighted the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, in drawing national attention to traditional earthen products, which has directly supported their family's livelihood.
Today, the family's reputation has spread beyond their village. Customers travel from various locations to purchase their handmade goods, and the family has even implemented delivery services to ensure their products reach a wider audience.
A Call for Future Support
While the festive season brings a surge of business, Farooq is looking toward the long-term sustainability of the art. He has urged the government to provide even greater support to traditional pottery to ensure it remains a viable career path for the youth.
By preserving this generational skill, Farooq hopes to prevent unemployment among the younger generation, viewing the craft as both a source of income and a bridge between different communities.
As thousands of diyas leave their workshop to light up the night of Diwali, the work of this family in Udhampur stands as a powerful testament to how traditional Indian crafts can foster unity and sustain livelihoods across religious divides.