For Sirsa potters, every diya sold lights ray of hope

As India embraces modern life and digital change, its festivals still hold on to deep traditions and cultural roots. One such festival is Diwali, the festival of lights.

Amid the glittering electricity of modern-day tools, even today, ‘diyas’ (clay lamps) continue to be an important part of the celebration.

Markets in Sirsa are full of colourful and beautifully designed diyas, priced between Rs 5 and Rs 50, attracting many buyers. For the Kumhar (potter) community, Diwali brings a much-needed boost in income.

Artisans like Kishori Lal Prajapat and Dalbir Prajapat, who live near Shah Satnam Ji Chowk in Sirsa, work day and night making diyas from clay.

Their products are not only sold in Haryana but also in Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Chandigarh.

They say Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘vocal for local’ campaign has increased the demand for clay lamps. Diyas made from cow dung are also gaining popularity.

However, challenges remain. The younger generation is slowly moving away from the traditional craft. A decade ago, 150-200 families in Sirsa’s Kumhar locality were involved in pottery. Now, the number has dropped below 80.

Dalbir says, despite years of hard work, earnings are still low for the community.

One person can make around 2,000 diyas in a day, but the income doesn’t match the effort.

His son, who is pursuing a BSc course, has no interest in continuing the family tradition. Another big issue is the shortage of fine clay.

Earlier, potters collected clay from nearby areas, but now they have to bring it from far away, increasing costs. They also need wood and cow dung cakes to fire the diyas, which are harder to find now. Despite difficulties, the spirit of the craft remains strong. Kishori Lal’s wife Basanti and daughter-in-law Khushboo help in the work — Khushboo decorates the lamps, while Basanti helps with firing them.

Even in the age of electric lights and imported decorations, the charm of clay diyas hasn’t faded. Potters say they get so many orders during Diwali that the entire family must pitch in, still barely meeting demand.

This festival not only brings financial help to potter families but also keeps India’s culture and traditions alive. The light of these clay diyas doesn’t just brighten homes — it also brings hope to the lives of those who make them.