DIVERSE HANDS, ONE LIGHT | Kashmiri Muslim potters craft Diwali lamps

Srinagar, Nov 2: In a heartwarming display of religious harmony and communal unity, Muslim potters in Kashmir are working tirelessly to craft traditional earthen lamps, or ‘diyas’, for the upcoming Hindu festival of Diwali.
This unique gesture underscores the enduring spirit of ‘Kashmiriyat’ and emphasises the significance of communal harmony in the region.
The surge in demand for these earthen lamps is not only igniting the festive spirit but also revitalising the traditional pottery industry, which had been struggling due to fluctuating demand throughout the year.

One of the inspiring individuals contributing to this interfaith collaboration is 29-year-old Muhammad Umar, a commerce graduate hailing from Nishat.
Umar has received a substantial order to craft diya lamps and is working enthusiastically at his Nishat unit, located on the outskirts of Srinagar.
The lamps he is creating would illuminate Diwali celebrations on November 12.
Umar, who has been moulding clay into art for several years, is now working round-the-clock to fulfill orders from several customers.

“As Diwali is approaching, I have started working throughout the day and night to meet the order of several customers,” he said.
Umar has ambitious dreams for the pottery industry in Kashmir.
He aspires to breathe a new life into this traditional craft, aligning it with modern times so that hand-made Kashmiri pottery finds customers far and wide.

According to Umar, about 1000 earthen lamps can be expertly crafted on the potter’s wheel in a single day, provided one works from dawn to dusk.
The process involves taking time to dry the clay and solidify it by baking it in a kiln.
Umar’s unit manufactures each lamp at a cost of Rs 5, while they are sold in the market for Rs 10 each, offering both affordability and quality.
After completing his B Com, Umar struggled to find a job and decided to revive his forefathers’ traditional business of crafting clay pots.

He has been successfully engaged in this venture for the past four years, earning handsomely and carving out a niche in the market.
Umar’s commitment to preserving the art of clay pot-making is evident in his approach.
“We could not rush with the making of diyas as this is an art, and we never want to bring a bad name to our craft by rushing through the manufacturing process,” he said.

In a parallel effort to foster communal harmony and provide Diwali essentials, Muhammad Ayoub Kumar, another skilled potter, has also received a substantial number of orders.
This remarkable display of cooperation transcends religious lines and showcases the enduring spirit of unity and brotherhood among the diverse communities in Kashmir.
As Diwali approaches, the diligent efforts of these potters not only illuminate the homes but also brighten the prospect of the traditional pottery industry, serving as a beacon of hope for artisans and entrepreneurs in the region.