Jaipur artisans prepare for Diwali with designer earthen lamps

Ahead of Diwali, the festival of lights, artisans here are having a busy time making designer earthen lamps to keep up with the increasing demand during the this festive occasion.

By Lokendra Singh

Jaipur, Nov.2 : Ahead of Diwali, the festival of lights, artisans here are having a busy time making designer earthen lamps to keep up with the increasing demand during the this festive occasion.

The designer earthen lamps follow a spiralling demand for potters' terracotta earthenware, especially during the festival season. Artisans say they have received a good response from clients for their designer lamps. Most of them started working almost three months ago for this occasion.

"The demand has definitely gone up. Earlier, they wanted simple lamps but now they ask for designer lamps having provision for various corners to place the wicks," said Bhagwan Sahay, a potter.

The artisans say the customers' choice has undergone a considerable change during the last few years. Since everyone wants to display something innovative, these potters have given a free run to their creativity.

"Since this is made from mud, it is the creativity of your mind that works every year. You have to know what was popular last year and so make something new the next year," said Shri Ram, a potter and designer.

"There is a difference from the earlier (traditional) lamps because these are so much more attractive than the simple ones. So it looks nice when you take something new home to show your guests when they come home," said Ritu Sharma, a buyer.

Tradition has it that earthen lamps are lit on Diwali marking the return of Lord Rama to his home in Ayodhya after a 14-year exile. They earthen lamps also signify triumph of good over evil.

Available in different designs, the price earthen lamps range between Rs.5 to Rs.250, depending upon the size and style of the earthen lamp.

People buy these lamps not only to decorate their homes but also make a show of them during the festival season. Traders and others worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for prosperity and success.

ANI