Jammu-Kashmir Potters Embrace Eco-Friendly Diwali 2023

Diwali 2023: Jammu and Kashmir potters and women in Udhampur create traditional, eco-friendly Diwali lamps, aligning with the "Vocal for Local" initiative.

Muskan Jha November 7, 2023

514 1 minute read

Local artisans prepare eco-friendly earthen lamps, spreading joy and supporting eco-conscious celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir for Diwali 2023

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1 Local artisans prepare eco-friendly earthen lamps, spreading joy and supporting eco-conscious celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir for Diwali 2023

1.1 Eco-Friendly Diyas in Jammu & Kashmir

In Jammu and Kashmir, as Diwali 2023 approaches, local potters are working diligently to create a substantial supply of eco-friendly earthen lamps, bringing joy not only to their customers but also to their own lives. Mohammad Umar, a potter, shared his enthusiasm, saying, “We have received an order to craft 20 thousand lamps, and we began our work 20 days before Diwali. When Diwali arrives, it brings us great happiness, as it provides us with employment.”

Meanwhile, another potter, Dharamveer, and his family in Jammu’s bus-stand area are putting in considerable effort to craft ‘diyas’ for the festival of lights. For their first order, they’ve already prepared nearly 3000 pieces, showcasing their dedication to their craft and the festive season.

Dharamveer explained, “This is the season of festivals. We’ve already made utensils for Karva Chauth, and Diwali is just around the corner. We’re now focused on creating earthen lamps (diyas) for Diwali, available in various sizes, from small to medium and large.”

Eco-Friendly Diyas in Jammu & Kashmir

These traditional diyas are lovingly crafted from clay, with each one shaped by pressing a thumb into a ball of clay. In Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, a group of women has taken eco-friendliness to the next level by making traditional lamps using cow dung. This not only contributes to environmental preservation but also aligns with the Prime Minister’s “Vocal for Local” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan” initiatives. Moreover, cow dung diyas are a budget-friendly choice, making them ideal for those who want to celebrate Diwali in an eco-conscious manner.