By Arpita Singh & Midhat Fatimah
Kamla Devi told that they take bath in the evening to stay clean of the mud while sleeping. She is one of thousands of potters residing in the conjested village known as Kumhar Gram.
Kumhar Gram situated on the outskirts of Delhi, is the largest habitat of potter’s community in India accomodating more than 700 potter families. It’s has been home to the families ever since they left Rajasthan in the early 1970s.
Diwali being the bonanza period, witnesses rigourous work hours and changes the dynamics of the place. Not just the day time but nights are also consumed. Not just the men but women, children and the elderly too contribute to the work force. Homes are converted into workshops and the serpentine lanes see a rush of customers.
Despite being the largest settlement of Potters in India and an offbeat tourist spot, the potters and their art lives in low-grade conditions.
Arpita Singh and Midhat Fatimah are students of Convergent Journlism at Jamia Millia Islamia AJK MCRC.
The pictures reflect struggling lives of potter community. The trade of pottery is n a crisis as earthen wares are being replaced by corporate materials made kut of metals and various alloys