Bhadrak: There was a time when kerosene lamp was an important item in every house. The only source of light before electrification, the kerosene lamp has had an enduring journey for centuries, removing darkness from the remotest corners of the globe.
However, the kerosene lamp is losing its importance and is soon going to become a thing of the past, thanks to rapid modernization and electrification.
Not long ago, the kerosene lamp, traditionally called lantern, used to adorn every household. It was an equalizer in the sense every section of the society, both poor and the rich, was proud owners of lanterns. However, with time, everything has changed.
Made of sheet-metal stampings and fixed with a tubular-shaped glass, the lanterns were made for both indoor and outdoor use. They were easily portable from one place to another. Since kerosene was used to light the lamp, it was termed kerosene lamp.
In the absence of electricity, kerosene lamps were the only source of light in every room. Despite massive rural electrification, people in remote pockets are still dependent on kerosene lamps. They also come handy during power outages. Nevertheless, the rapid electrification under ‘power for all’ schemes has thrown hundreds of lantern makers into financial misery.
They also have fallen on dark days with new devices like charger lights, torch lights and solar-powered lights hitting the market. People prefer them as they are readily available and easy to carry. Even a mobile phone has become a source of light now.
However, notwithstanding the forays other devices are making into modern life, people in many remote places prefer to use lanterns. Farmers, for example, take a lantern along with them to guard their paddy fields from animals straying into them. While many villagers use the lantern due to lack of electric supply, many prefer to see the natural light.
People also use lanterns during election times. In rural areas, the vote seekers along with their party members move from one village to another carrying lanterns and rally for votes.
As rightly said, those who have studied under a lantern will only understand its importance. Many people still gift lanterns during marriage ceremonies and other auspicious events. Lanterns are also used as decorative pieces in many houses. PNN