`Daag ache hai’: Dirty your hands for fun; try pottery making at Hyderabad’s Numaish

Hyderabad: In the heart of Hyderabad's bustling Numaish, a quaint stall attracts a diverse crowd ranging from 6-year-olds to 60-year-olds, all eager to participate in the ancient craft of pottery-making. Amidst the vibrant cultural displays and lively market stalls, this year's exhibition introduces an interactive pottery-making attraction, offering visitors the opportunity to craft personalized pieces to take home.

Supported by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), the initiative aims to not only raise awareness about the fading art of pottery but also to empower artisans towards financial independence.

Master trainer Prabhakar Dama who guides visitors at the stall highlights the potential of pottery as a revenue-generating craft. He mentions, “Pottery is an old-school craft that’s fading away with time. However, its revenue-generating potential remains significant, yet largely untapped due to lack of awareness."

Dama notes that during festivals like Diwali, states like Gujarat witness substantial business in pottery. He emphasizes the impact of technical advancements, stating, “Technical advancements have broadened product offerings, driving up the demand for pottery.”

The stall stands out by not only offering a chance to craft pottery but also providing an immersive experience in the vibrant market atmosphere. For a modest Rs 100, participants can create personalized pieces, ranging from simple pinch pots to intricately carved vessels.

Tripura, an art student, expresses her love for pottery, stating, “I love pottery. It’s great to see it thriving nowadays. It’s a tactile skill that sharpens our focus and offers both mental and physical exercise. There’s something so calming and therapeutic about working with clay.”

Sujani, a retired psychology lecturer shares her fascination with the live pottery crafting experience, saying, “This is our first time witnessing live pottery crafting at an exhibition. It’s fascinating, and I’d love to join in.”

While KVIC has distributed 500 electric pottery wheels to artisans nationwide this year and implemented a pottery skill development program, the organization plans to make the Numaish stall an annual event, aiming for continuous growth.

The 83rd edition of the All-India Industrial Exhibition, Numaish, at Nampally exhibition grounds, features approximately 2,400 stalls this year. The 45-day exhibition welcomes visitors from 3 pm to 11 pm and is open until February 15.