They Make the Diyas, But Their Homes Remain Dark on Diwali

Kamla Deve is one of thousands of potters residing in a congested village Kumhar Gram, on the outskirts of Delhi. Living in a virtual shanty, Deve joins the 700 potter families living here to work day and night to meet the demands of Delhi for diyas, and other clay artefacts for Diwali.

She came here in the early 1970’s from Rajasthan to beat poverty. But the years have been rough, and life difficult. Diwali brings some business, and the men, women and even children of Kumhar Gram work day and night to make the little earthen pots that then light up Delhi homes.

The photographs below capture the penury, the hard work with the furnaces causing respiratory problems and taking a huge toll on health:

A potter preparing the clay
 

The potter's work around the clock with their mud houses becoming workshops
 

A dingy, congested workshop which produces around 300-400 pieces a day. Each piece sells for a ballpark figure of Rs 30 in the market
 

The village relies on burning furnaces that are adding to the respiratory problems. Kamla Devi and her son are impacted like all the rest
 

Everything during Diwali revolves around business. Daily chores take a backseat
 

During Diwali, houses become workshops and women actively participate and contribute to the workforce to meet the market requirements
 

Taking a break
 

A women climbing the ladder up and down several times a day,to bring down the pottery
 

No cheer