Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s urge to use ‘Make in India’ products over Chinese ones seem to have little impact on the festival market this Diwali. The demand for these lights has comparatively increased from the perspective of wholesalers as well as customers as both the sides term the Chinese lights ‘cheap and best’ than ceramic wares.
A variety of Chinese lights that has flooded the city market ahead of the festival is set to fulfill the huge demand according to sellers. These lights include rice lights, light emitting diode (lED) light, RGB lights, crystal light, CD magic bulbs, star light, FO light, fruit lights, night light, round ball and strap light, lED lights etc.
“Rice lights are sold round the year. While lED lights are purchased the most during Diwali. Modi’s appeal on using ceramic products for promoting national identity cannot bear fruits all of a sudden. We all prefer buying lights which are attractive and durable. Chinese lights have both the qualities,” Rajesh Kumar, owner of Boudh Bihar Electrical Agencies, Upper Bazaar selling such fancy lights for past three years said.
Similarly, wholesaler Akhtar involved in the same business at Daily Market for last one decade said, “Customers of all age groups hailing from any region are inclined towards lights which are colorful and attractive. Chinese lights can be used anytime. But, for diyas (lamps) one needs to have oil and diyabattis.”
Supporting the opinions of Akhtar and Raj, potters selling ceramic products at Doranda, Harmu and Mesra said customers who used to purchase around 200 diyas five years back have restricted their order upto 25 diyas.
“Technology has dominated our profession. It is obvious that people will avoid diyas over Chinese lights as the later is safe. Accidents are more predictable with the fire of diyabattis. In today’s scenario, diyas are lit only to maintain the traditional form. Earlier, the entire lighting of the home covering balcony and terrace was done by diyas,” said potter Umesh Prajapati, a resident of Pathalkudwa.
Outstationed customers were seen purchasing bundles of such lights in Main Road, Daily Market, Upper Bazaar, Hinoo, Birsa Chowk and lalpur. They expressed joy over the availability of Chinese lights in urban and rural areas. “I have always been purchasing Chinese lights. We can use them in any occasion like New Year, Christmas, Birthday or Diwali. Diyas cannot be used in every occasion,” said Shailendra Kumar, a resident of Simdega district at Bose Electricals of Daily Market.