BY Akshya Rout
JAJPUR,03/11 ; Diwali is boom time for them. Though the diyas, which they make, spread light in the lives of one and all, recognition seems to elude them. 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 the narrow lanes of Kumbhar Sahi outskirts of Jajpur . But the covid-19 forced them to slow down their work as many people are reluctant to celebrate the festival of light.
Nearly 75 families have monopolised the art of making diyas from clay
. “Diyas from fire clay are manufactured in such a large quantity here,” claims Giridhari Behera (45) a diya maker of Kumbhar Sahi. 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. But this year businessmen also are not in any mood to purchase diyas from the artisans.
All families of potters are engaged in one way or another in manufacturing Items despite covid-19 fear , said Manoj Behera, a potter of Kumbhar Sahi.While diyas, selling from Rs four to Rs 150, are available in
Kumbhar Sahi . “These days many even use diyas as lamp shades,” said kalandi Behera, another potter. Earthen lamps in a variety of shapes, sizes from Kumbharsahi have flooded shops as people prepare to celebrate Diwali the festival of light on November 14th..
The tradition has been to light earthen lamps which is considered auspicious. Every year around Diwali, the market is full of earthen lamps. But covid-19 besmirched all our hopes to make more money by selling diyas this year , said Chitaranjan Das, an artisan.
Though candles, over the years, have also become a popular choice on Diwali, the charm of traditional Diyas has not affected, said binod Behera (74) a potter of Kumbhar Sahi.