Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most cherished celebrations in India, illuminating homes, streets, and hearts with twinkling lights and the warm glow of earthen diyas. While electric lights have added convenience and grandeur to the decorations, it is the humble diya that truly embodies the spirit of the festival. Crafted from clay, these small oil lamps symbolise purity, goodness, and the triumph of light over darkness. This ancient tradition of lighting diyas during Diwali brings us to the vibrant potter’s colony of Kumbharwada in Dharavi, Mumbai—a place deeply tied to the history and craft of pottery in India.
Kumbharwada, The 100-Year-Old Potter’s Colony In Mumbai’s Dharavi
Kumbharwada, nestled in the heart of Dharavi, is a nearly 100-year-old settlement and home to the largest community of potters, or ‘kumbhars’, originally from Saurashtra, Gujarat. This remarkable colony, spread over 12+ acres, is the workplace and home for thousands of potter families. Passed down through generations, their craft remains essential not just during Diwali but throughout the year, making many clay artefacts, including diyas, pots, saucers, and lanterns.
The narrow lanes of Kumbharwada are filled with the hum of spinning wheels. Here, artisans, who belong to families that have been practising pottery for six or seven generations, shape clay into delicate forms, which are then sun-dried and baked in traditional kilns. The clay itself is sourced from nearby areas like Virar and Mumbra, brought in for these skilled hands to transform.
The Heart Of Diwali’s Glowing Tradition
During Diwali, the colony is abuzz with activity. The demand for diyas soars and potters work tirelessly to produce thousands of items daily to meet the festive needs. This is also when Kumbharwada is at its most vibrant. Potters here are not just creating earthen lamps; they are preserving an ancient craft, keeping alive a tradition that is at the core of India’s cultural identity.
What makes Kumbharwada unique is not just its historical significance but the deep sense of community and pride that the potters have in their craft. The people here embody the true spirit of ‘Make in India’, relying on their skills to earn a livelihood, independent of any external employer.
Amid Mumbai’s fast-paced life, this potters’ colony stands as a beacon of cultural heritage. Tourists and locals alike are drawn to its vibrant streets, especially during festival times, when the sight of thousands of earthen diyas being made by hand evokes a sense of nostalgia and admiration.
As Diwali brings the focus back to diyas, it also reminds us of the artisans behind these simple yet meaningful lamps. In a world dominated by modern lighting, the hand-moulded diyas from Kumbharwada are a reminder that some traditions are worth holding on to.
In every diya lit during the festival, there is a piece of the potter’s heritage, craftsmanship, and dedication.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
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