Srinagar, Nov. 6 -- Potters in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, have prepared at least 40,000 earthen diyas ahead of Diwali, combining festive demand with an effort to revive traditional pottery skills and create livelihood opportunities for local artisans.

The initiative, led by local potters including young entrepreneur Mohamad Umer, proprietor of A.S. Potter Workshop, is helping bring diya-making back to Kashmir, where the lamps were previously sourced from outside the Valley.

Speaking to ANI, Umer said the workshop began making diyas in 2020-21 after receiving orders for the traditional lamps.

What started with relatively small orders has gradually grown into a larger enterprise, with demand increasing over the years.

"Yes, we started...