Indian potters increase production of earthen lamps for Diwali

Artisans across various regions of India are ramping up production of traditional earthen lamps, known as diyas, to meet the seasonal demand for the Diwali festival.

In Gujarat, approximately 15,000 to 20,000 Prajapati-Kumhar families are involved in the unorganized cottage industry. In the Sarkhej-Bakrol area of Ahmedabad alone, an estimated 150 families are producing roughly 30 crore lamps. These products are distributed wholesale to traders in ten states, including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and West Bengal. Other significant production hubs include Vadodara, Rajkot, and Surat. Some organizations, such as Andhajan Manav Mandal in Ahmedabad, also provide employment for visually impaired individuals in the decoration of these lamps.

In Tripura, potters in the Unakoti district, specifically in villages like Haor and Sreepur, are working around the clock. Many artisans have transitioned from manual wooden wheels to electric pottery wheels to increase output. Despite the availability of plastic and modern decorative lighting, the cultural and religious significance of clay lamps remains high, providing a vital source of annual income for many pottery-making households.