This Diwali, the demand for designer ‘diyas’ has increased manifold and city based potters have started working meeting the requirement. A Naini based potter said, “Diyas occupy a special significance during the festival and the demand for for both ordinary and designer diyas has risen”. He added, “Despite the fact that markets are flooded with LED and Chinese lights, people are still going for the traditional diyas every Diwali. With the changing trends, potters too are wheeling out designer diyas. During the puja of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, people still light diyas as no electrical light can replace our traditional medium.”

Potters, however, said people now prefer diyas to decorate their houses as well. Pooja, a buyer said, “Diyas offer a unique picture on the festive occasion which could not be matched with lights”.

Archana Mishra, a house wife said, “LED lights cannot replace diyas. Even mythological tales on Diwali mention use of diyas. It is said that these earthen lights not only help in lighting the physical path but the spiritual path too.” Kumar, a potter, said, “The sales of designer diyas has picked up in the past few years. Besides small vendors, shops selling gift items too have started keeping designer diyas.” City potters are working overnight in order to meet the demand of designer diyas this festive season.

Currently, not only elders of the potter’s family but youngters are too busy designing diyas this Diwali. According to them, it is the best time to show their caliber by drafting designer diyas.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Allahabad / TNN / October 12th, 2014