Diwali has come early for Kashmiri businessmen. From dry fruit dealers to potters and handicraft sellers, Kashmir businessmen are working overtime to complete the orders. The demand for Kashmir-made earthen lamps has soared by more than 50 percent compared to previous years. Potters expect demand to go up to nearly 70 percent this week. Potters at Ishber Nishat have won orders from different states this time round. Like many of their peers in the country, Kashmiri potters are also catering both to local buyers and to dealers who ship the lamps across India. Proverbially, as Diwali draws near, the humble earthen lamp lights up business for local potters. Local demand has also shot up, with Kashmiri Pandit families buying lamps in bulk for their homes and community celebrations. The soaring

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