Srinagar: Mohammad Umar Kumar, a potter from Ishber Nishat, is working overtime to make earthen lamps (diyas). For the last few days, he has been witnessing an unprecedented surge in demand, with buyers making beelines at his home and workshop.
“In the last week alone, I have sold over 5,000 lamps, and I expect the demand to multiply as Diwali approaches,” Kumar said. “Last year, the rush would come only in the last few days, but this year we are seeing bulk orders early. People are even visiting my home to choose and buy diyas.”
Kumar, like many of his peers, is catering both to local buyers and to dealers who ship the lamps across India. As Diwali draws near, the humble earthen lamp—or diya—is lighting up business for local potters in Kashmir.
The demand for Kashmir-made earthen lamps has soared by more than 50 percent compared to previous years. “We expect the demand to go up to nearly 70 percent this week,” he said.
The earthen lamps, central to Diwali celebrations nationwide, symbolize the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, making them a festive essential in households across the country.
Another potter, Shabir Ahmad Kumar, echoed the sentiment. “We have been working non-stop for the last month to meet the soaring demand. All potters are busy making lamps, as Diwali is truly a festival of lights,” he said.
Local demand is also seeing a boost, with Kashmiri Pandit families buying lamps in bulk for their homes and community celebrations. “Many local families prefer to buy directly from us. The lamps are not just for decoration—they carry tradition and warmth for Diwali,” Kumar added.
Mukhtar Kumar, a local potter, said the soaring Diwali demand is helping revive the traditional pottery craft in Kashmir.
“This festival has brought new life to our art. Many potters who had left the trade are back at their wheels, busy making lamps to meet the growing demand.”