Hard work goes into making illuminating ’diyas’

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 16

Every year near Diwali, earthen lamps illuminate houses of residents, adding spark to the festival of lights even in the wake of heavy competition from Chinese lights.

Even though potters in the city work throughout the year, this is the time when these earthen lamps make a comeback in our lives. This is the only time in the year when the common man is keen on having this traditional source of lighting in his house. Traditionally as part of the custom, the earthen lamps are illuminated by putting oil in them along with cotton wicks on the Diwali night.

However, potters in the city feel there is a need to promote the art of making earthen lamps and people seldom understand the hard work that goes into keeping the tradition of ‘diya’ making alive.

“A lot of hard work goes into this. People usually do not understand the art and term it as mere clay and negotiate over the price, accordingly,” Jaspal Prajapati.

On an average, these ‘diyas’ are sold at Rs 1 for each piece and the price can go up to Rs 50, depending upon the artistry that goes into its making.This year different diya stands, square-shaped lamps, designer lamps (hand-painted lamps along with designs on them) have made it to market

Most people agree the art goes beyond making the earthen ‘diyas’ and nothing can match the happiness to buy these traditional items at this time of the festival.

“The earthen lamps are produced at a very relevant time. It is our hard work which is reflected at this time. It is also the time earn our living,” said a potter.

“I love these ‘diyas’. I make sure to buy them and paint them at home .” said a student, Manju.