Clay lamps made in Kumharwada are now in demand even in international markets. Hussain Ibrahim Bagadia, who has been managing his family's pottery business for four generations, said his family has been involved in this ancestral occupation since 1980. He explained that the business has undergone considerable changes over the years. Earlier, the market mainly offered simple, uniform clay lamps made by hand on traditional pottery wheels.
Demand for Clay Toys and Kalash Also Rises
Demand for traditional clay toys and ceremonial kalash (earthen pots) also increases during Navratri and Diwali. Ramania has been contributing to the preservation of this tradition by making decorative clay toys and kalash for religious ceremonies for the past 30 years.
Using her hands, she shapes clay into attractive toys for children and kalash for Diwali worship. She said she has been preparing clay products for Diwali celebrations for the past three decades. Making these toys and kalash requires considerable effort, time and craftsmanship.
Livelihood Challenges and Younger Generation Moving Away
Bagadia, 59, said more than 100 people in Kumharwada are directly associated with this traditional business. Gujarati, Kathiawadi and Kutchi families belonging to the potter community have been working in this trade for approximately 125 to 150 years. Several workers who migrated from Uttar Pradesh also contribute to labour-intensive activities such as preparing clay and firing earthenware.
However, artisans associated with this traditional industry are now facing a serious livelihood crisis. Bagadia said his family represents the fourth generation in the pottery business, but he has not involved his children in the occupation. The primary reasons are continuously rising business costs, a severe shortage of adequate working space and a lack of skilled labour.
According to traders, the reputation of clay products manufactured in Kumharwada is no longer confined to Mumbai or other major Indian cities. These products are also being exported in large quantities to international markets, including the United States, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore.
The growing international demand highlights the reach of Kumharwada's traditional pottery, even as local artisans face mounting challenges in sustaining a family-run craft that has continued for generations.
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