Potters in Reasi preserve traditional craft, create eco-friendly lamps for Diwali

Reasi (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], October 26 : In preparation for the upcoming Diwali festival, potters in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir, have started crafting eco-friendly earthen lamps in large quantities.
Pottery is one of the oldest crafts in India, and for generations, people have been illuminating their homes with these traditional diyas (oil lamps) during Diwali. The diyas are made from clay and are shaped by pressing a thumb into a ball of clay.
Speaking to ANI, potter Ram Saroop said, "We have received an order to make 20,000lamps. We started the work 20 days before Diwali. When Diwali comes, we feel very happy, as we get employment." He added, "It is the season of festivals. Diwali will follow in a few days. We have started preparing earthen lamps (diyas) for Diwali. We are working hard to make them in all sizes - small, medium, and large."
Meanwhile the Kumar community in Nimati Bhitor Kokila Kumar Gaon of Assam's Jorhat district has managed to keep their centuries-old pottery tradition alive. This 200-year-old art form has served as a primary source of livelihood for the Kumar community. There are around 120 families in Bhitor Kokila village, and despite the challenges, they are preserving their traditional profession of pottery.
"I've been a part of this village for eight years since my marriage, where 120 families reside. Traditionally, women here create utensils from clay, while men support us by collecting the clay. After we craft the utensils, the men help refine their shape by firing them. Finally, the men take our pottery products to the market for sale. Our village has been preserving this pottery tradition for around 150-200 years," says Mitali Kalita, a resident of Bhitor Kokila Kumar village.
The Kumar community, renowned for crafting clay utensils, is facing a grim reality as their traditional livelihood fades due to challenges in procuring soil for pottery. "We have been engaged in this art for several years, and our family has been in the pottery business for around 200 years. Our location near the River Brahmaputra provides us with the suitable soil needed for making pottery. However, our pottery market has been declining daily. If this continues, we'll have to find alternative livelihoods," says Pabitra Kalita, a resident of the Kumar village.
Pottery is a traditional profession for the Kumar community and is a collective effort, with labour divided among women and men. The former shapes the soil into raw pots, while the latter solidifies them with fire. However, with uncertainty surrounding their traditional profession, many have sought alternative jobs to earn a living. "Our process begins with collecting clay from the riverbank, then mixing it into a paste, and finally crafting various utensils. We sell our pottery either directly to customers who visit us or through market sales. For 150-200 years, our family has been engaged in the art of pottery, which is our primary livelihood. Despite our dedication to this traditional craft, we face challenges. Therefore, I humbly request the government to provide us with adequate facilities, enabling us to continue our work and preserve our heritage," said Hiromai Kalita, another resident of the village.
Diwali, known as the Hindu festival of lights, represents the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on Amavasya, the 15th day of the month of Kartik.