Boudh, Odisha:
For traditional potters like Chakradhar, the business during Diwali is gradually decreasing. With the growing preference for colourful and designer
diyas (earthen lamps), the likes of him are facing an existential threat.
Many of these potters from Odisha have been designing the plain and simple diyas for generations now. But, the shift from plain and simple
diyas to the designer ones has shrunk their customer base, making it difficult for them to sustain in the market.
While Chakradhar is sticking to simple designs, there are others who have shifted to making designer
diyas to keep up with the market. Some of them have undertaken training to make designer earthen products.
The state government has also extended help to promote the practice, say potters.
One such potter Gananath Rana of Boudh district in Odisha had inherited pottery business from his father twenty years back. But he had to learn the new designs to attract customers.
The state government has also extended help to promote the practice, say potters.
"My family has been involved in making
diyas. Earlier, we would only make the simple ones. There were no colours or designs. But now there is a change. There is less demand for the traditional diyas. I learnt making these new designs in workshops organized by government," says Rana.
"Traditional
diya fetch us 50 paise or one rupee but the designer ones sell at a higher price. So, the business for us is much better than most of the potters," he added.
From painted
diyas to electric ones, they are available in all shapes and sizes this Diwali. While the traditional
diya costs a rupee each, the designer ones range from anything between Rs 25 to over Rs 1,000.
"I like the coloured ones, the new designer ones. They look good and can be used for decoration. But my mother still prefers the old traditional designs," says Subhadarshini, a customer.