Kashmiri potters witness brisk business
Srinagar Aug 21: For the last six weeks, Mohammad Sultan Kumhar, along with two workers of Srinagar, has been working tirelessly. First they met an order of making 4000 Diyas (earthen oil lamps) which illuminated on Independence Day and now making Tumbaknaris, a traditional musical instrument usually used during marriages.
“It took us two weeks to make 4000 Diyas. Each Diya costs between Rs 40-100. We earned around Rs 2 lakh. We brought a lot of clay from various places for these earthen oil lamps,” the 60-year-old Sultan said, who has been associated with the pottery profession for the last three decades.
These oil lamps are handmade and made of clay by the potters. “Each day we made around 300 Diyas of various sizes. Some were simple while others were decorated. After making them we put in sunlight for a few days then gave them to customers,” he said.
Similarly, he said the process of making Tumbaknaris started in July. “For the last 40 days we worked very hard to meet orders. So far, we have made around 500 Tumbarnaris. Each Tumbaknari costs between Rs 150-250 depending on the size and quality,” he added.
Another potter Bashir Ahmad from Pulwama said he made 6000 Diyas which were illuminated on August 15. “We had received some orders from the government and also some from political parties.”
He said pottery art is on the decline in Kashmir. “However, this year the government has taken a great initiative. The oil lamps illuminated in front of the Tricolour, which we believe has created an awareness about it and we expect it will generate a demand for earthen products across the country. Similarly, we have received orders from dealers for making 1500 Tumbaknaris. Till date, we have made 700 Tumbaknaris,” he added. Tumbaknari is a traditional Kashmiri drum, which is cast in a clay funnel-like case. The instrument is a symbol of celebration and joy in its resonant and melodic tones.
