Arindam Ganguly
post news network
Bhubaneswar, Oct 27: Traditions define every nation and its people. Orissa, a state that celebrates festivals of several kinds, has its own set of traditions and earthen lamps are integral to how people of the state celebrate Diwali.
Today, though, these lamps are facing stiff competition from electric lights and lighting devices made of other materials. Nevertheless, earthen lamps have their own dedicated base of buyers.
Potter families are sustaining themselves and the craft by working to introduce variety as Subodh Patial of Jagatsinghpur, can vouch for. This lamp maker has about 40 artisans working for him at Jagatsinghpur.
According to Subodh, people still like diyas and buy them in bulk particularly during Diwali. “We sell these lamps in bulk at the rate of 1,000 lamps for Rs1,200,” he said.
Earthen lamp makers are also making designer lamps of multiple sizes to survive competition.
Sagar of Badhiapalli in Bargarh says his family has been earning a living from the business for years. We earn enough for the whole year from business during the Diwali season.
Biswarana of Bara Bazaar in Sambalpur said the lamps he makes were popular among buyers as he cleans the mud he uses to make the lamps. This gives our lamps a different look and shine and it attracts buyers.
Biswarana sells lamps of different sizes. He prices the big ones at Rs5, Rs10, Rs15 apiece and the smaller ones by volume. He says earthen lamps have taken new shapes with the change in demand. People now want lamps of different types and sizes such as those with provision for four to seven wicks.
Potter Nityananda of Jagatsinghpur, who was initiated to the craft at 12 by his father, is carrying the tradition forward. His son and daughters, too, are learning the craft and lamp-making remains this family’s sole source of income.
The hope that craftsmen such as Nityananda have placed on the craft is not entirely misplaced as many people are also interested in keeping the tradition of lighting earthen lamps alive.
Srinivas Mohanty, a local businessman, said he buys earthen lamps from the local market during Diwali and Kali Puja. “It is our responsibility to sustain this traditional craft so that the coming generations are able to follow it,” he said.
Supriya Mishra, another resident of the city, said she has liked earthen lamps from her childhood days and recalled how she would always help her mother light them at their house.
“That continues now as my daughter lights these lamps with me,” Supriya said.
Sanjay Modi, a resident of Sahid Nagar, believes the simple earthen lamps symbolise the grace of god.
“That is why these lamps are lit at temples. These lamps are very relevant in Hinduism even for normal prayers. Even Christians have started using these lamps in place of candles. They will be important forever.”
Environmentalists such as Ramesh cannot agree more. He said artificial electric lamps made of non-recyclable materials were power guzzlers.
“A festival can never be an excuse to pollute the environment. Diyas made of mud should be used because they are environment friendly and don’t need any specific recycling mechanism. They are also part of our culture,” he said.
