Diwali is a boom time for them. Though the diyas which they make spread light in the lives of everybody yet they fail to improve their lots. Not many in Jajpur know that the decorative earthen lamps (diyas) which are proudly displayed during Diwali in the homes of the rich and the poor alike are made in large numbers in narrow lanes of Kumbharasahi on the outskirts of Jajpur.
Nearly 75 families make the earthen lamps. “Diyas from fire clay are manufactured in large quantities here,” claims Giridhari Behera (45), a diya maker of Kumbharsahi. With changing times, the demand for diyas has also changed. However, except businessmen from various parts of the district and its nearby areas, who are aware of the place, not many come directly to these potters.
“It is not that we do not sell the products directly but not many come here,” said Padan Behera (56), another potter of Kumbharsahi. “In fact, here, the diyas are sold at half the price they are sold in market,” he added.
All family members of the potters are engaged one way or other in manufacturing different items. “We do not keep count of the number of pieces sold, “Sudam said, adding the sale is picking up with Diwali being a few days away. Once the festival is over, we will concentrate on making pots, flower-pots and other items, he said.
People buy the diyas for decorative purposes on Diwali as well as to use them during the evening puja of Goddess lakshmi and lord Ganesha. Though candles, over the years, have also become a popular choice on Diwali, the charm of traditional diyas remains unaffected, said Promad Behera (74), a potter of Kumbharsahi. Potters are optimistic that the diyas hold their own distinct attraction and thus it is unlikely that they can ever be replaced by electrical lights. People may try out “new things”, but it is not likely that they will abandon clay lamps, hope the potters.