POTTERY PARADISE
The festival season is all about decking up homes. It is also the season when everyone heads to Kumhargram. Here’s what all it has this year
Kumhargram in West Delhi is where you can find a fantastic array of cheap(ish) decor items
The famous potters’ colony of West Delhi, Kumhargram, was once the destination for everything pottery at surprisingly reasonable prices. However, things have changed. The prices aren’t that low here anymore. Although, the market still offers a great variety.
Around two years back, when we visited the area, the sellers were mostly selling their stuff on make-shift platforms or shops, and prices were very low compared to other markets. For example, a decorative product, such as a tortoise bowl that would cost ₹300 in other markets, would cost only ₹100 at the Kumhar Colony. But not any longer. The potters are now mostly operating out of showrooms and charging prices, which, though more economical than the rest of Delhi, are yet not very cheap. However, this market supports local artisans and it remains popular with buyers.
“Mehangai to sab cheezo mein hai, our prices are still lower than other markets... jo yahan se saaman lekar jata hai, dus guna mehanga bechte hai (Everything is expensive ...people buy things from here and sell them elsewhere at 10 times the price),” says Kamal Kumar Prajapati, a third generation potter.
The variety, this year, could be attributed to “a lot of stuff from Kolkata and Agra as well”, says Vishnu, 50, who has been doing pottery since childhood. The festive season sees this place buzzing with buyers, and children helping parents with their shops.
Delhiite Anuj Malhotra is here to buy stuff to decorate his newly-bought flat. He says, “I am very impressed with the quirky items here. However, it is not really cheap.”
Many shoppers suggest amping up one’s bargaining skills. Karishma Rana, who is here for the first time, says, “My friend told me about this place. There are ample options but not priced cheaply. I’ve realise I need to bargain well.”