KHOTANG: Pottery, a profession of marginalised Kumal community is at crisis in Khotang district. The older generation could pass on the tradition to the new ones but the youths are heading to foreign lands every year keeping the aged-old tradition at bay.

“We have been making our living through this profession for the past seven generations, however, it is at the verge of collapse,” Lalit Bahadur Shrestha, a resident of Khalle said. “There were 21 wheels for pottery during my father’s time, however, only four remain now.” “The profession requires courage and physical energy while the youth these days are lazy and they shy off too,” Shrestha added.

Despite a good market for their products they have not been able to meet the demand due to lack of clay too, let alone the lack of human hands, said Durga Bahadur Shrestha. “It is very difficult to find the clay used for utensils. If the clay is found, it should be taken out from seven meters long tunnel,” he added.

A family of a potter earns some Rs 60,000 annually. The pots are sold in Khotang and its adjoining districts. The earthen utensils come handy for storing alcohol, roasting corn, flower vase and as oil lamps, potters said. Kumals, however, said that it was very much imperative that the art be transferred to the new generation for its upkeep.

“I tried to teach the technology to my sons and grandson, however, I could not,’ Lalit Bahadur Shrestha lamented, adding, “The new generation of people do not take interest as it needs courage and body becomes dirty while carrying out the work.”

In the meantime, the potters regretted that the Small and Cottage Industry Development Committee did not heed when they repeatedly urged for help.