Every Diwali, earthen diyas find their way into millions of Indian homes, bringing a familiar glow to the celebrations. But have you ever wondered where these lamps come from and who makes them?
In west Delhi, an entire neighbourhood revolves around this age-old craft. Here, pottery is more than a way to earn a living. It is a family legacy, passed down through generations.
Yet, behind the festive demand lies a story that raises questions about the future of this traditional art form.
Kumhar Gram: Where Every Home Has A Potter
Located in Uttam Nagar, Delhi, Kumhar Gram is India's largest potters' colony, with a pottery tradition spanning over 100 years. An estimated 1,000 families here depend on pottery for their livelihood.
The colony grew as potters migrated from across India. Jaswant Kumar, a resident, says his family moved here in the 1970s. Over 50% of families came from Rajasthan, around 10% from Haryana and 5% from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Relatives later joined them, expanding the settlement.
For Jaswant, pottery is a family legacy. His ancestors and grandfather practised it, his father taught him the craft, and he has continued working with clay for 35 to 37 years.
Like him, residents learn pottery at home rather than through formal training, passing down their skills in shaping, drying and firing clay across generations.
From A Lump Of Clay To A Diya: How Kumhar Gram Prepares For Diwali
Diya-making begins months before Diwali. Potters source clay from farmlands, dry and break it, then filter, wash and knead it. They shape it on pottery wheels, leave the diyas to dry in the sun, paint them and fire them in kilns.
Preparation starts six to eight months before Diwali to meet festive orders. Over the years, artisans have also experimented with new designs, shapes and styles to suit changing customer preferences.
Diwali is their biggest business season, bringing demand for diyas, idols and other earthenware. The earnings help families sustain themselves through the year. However, higher festive demand does not always mean better profits.
The Other Side Of The Diwali Business
Despite festive demand, Kumhar Gram's potters face rising costs and falling profits.
A 2023 research by the Centre for New Economics Studies, highlighted these struggles. Potter Narayani Devi said clay prices had risen from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 4,500, with the quantity barely enough to fill one kiln. Some artisans earned just Rs. 2 in profit per product.
Wholesalers buy diyas in bulk and resell them at higher prices, leaving potters with little bargaining power. Jaswant Kumar says this makes it difficult for artisans to earn reasonable profits.
A 2019 Hindustan Times report found that sales had fallen and nearly 40% of families had given up pottery.
Kiln emissions have added to their challenges. In 2017, Bindapur residents approached the National Green Tribunal, alleging that pottery units were causing pollution in their residential area. The dispute led to restrictions on wood-fired kilns, creating further uncertainty for potter families.
Can The Next Generation Keep The Wheels Turning?
Financial struggles are discouraging younger generations from taking up pottery. A 2023 The Wire report found that some parents prefer stable jobs and education for their children over an occupation with uncertain earnings.
Jaswant Kumar remains committed to the craft and is willing to teach anyone interested. He believes passing on these skills is key to keeping the tradition alive.
The potters urge Diwali shoppers to visit Kumhar Gram and buy directly from them to help improve their earnings.
Their story raises a bigger question: How can India preserve traditional crafts when artisans struggle to earn a sustainable living? For Kumhar Gram's families, the hope is that future generations will carry forward their ancestral skills.
TL;DR | News At A Glance
Where is Kumhar Gram located?
Kumhar Gram is a potters' colony in Uttam Nagar, west Delhi, known as India's largest potters' settlement.
How many families live there?
More than 700 pottery-making families. A potter interviewed by Brut estimated the number at around 1,000.
How old is its pottery tradition?
The diya-making tradition is more than 100 years old and has been passed down through generations.
Why is Diwali important for Kumhar Gram?
Diwali is the biggest business season for its potters, who make diyas, idols and other earthenware products for the festival.
Why are the potters struggling?
Rising raw material costs, low profit margins, dependence on wholesalers and declining sales have affected their earnings.
How can buyers support them?
Shoppers can visit Kumhar Gram and purchase earthenware products directly from the artisans.
