Not many in Jajpur district know that the diyas (decorative earthen lamps), which are used during Diwali in the homes of the rich and the poor alike, are made in the narrow lanes of Kumbharasahi on the outskirts of Jajpur town.
Diwali is the boom time for them. But though the diyas they make spread light in the lives of one and all, recognition seems to elude them. Nearly 75 families have monopolised the art of making diyas from clay. “Diyas from fireclay are manufactured in such a large quantity here,” says Manoj Behera (45), a diya maker of Kumbharsahi.
With the 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 Sudam Behera (56), another potter of Kumbharsahi, who makes decorative diyas. “In fact, here the diyas are sold at half the price,” he added.
“We do not keep count of the number of pieces sold,” Sudam said, adding that the sale is now picking up with Diwali a couple of days away. Once the festival is over, the artisans concentrate on making pots, flowerpots and other earthen items. Pravat Behera (30), another potter, said, “Although I want to give education to my five-year-old son, I will also teach him pottery in case he doesn’t get some other job.”
Ddiyas selling at rates between Rs 4 and Rs 150 are available at Kumbharsahi. “These days, many even use diyas as lamp shades,” said Babaji Behera, another potter. Earthen lamps in a variety of shapes and sizes from Kumbharsahi have flooded shops as people prepare to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights on November 3. The tradition has been to light earthen lamp which is considered auspicious. Be it designer diya or the traditional earthen lamp, they are available in wide ranges and at attractive prices.
People buy it also for use during lakshmi Puja and Ganesha Puja. Though candles, over the years, have also become a popular choice for Diwali, the charm of traditional diyas has not waned, said Pramod Behera (74) of Kumbharsahi.
Potters are optimists that diyas would continue to retain their own distinct attraction and would not be replaced by electrical lights. “Making earthen diyas is a seasonal business, for which large numbers of youths of our families nowadays are not preferring to continue their forefathers’ works; as a result, we are not getting young potters to teach them diya making art,” lamented Ashok Behera (68), another potter of Kumbharsahi.