Diya makers ready with wares for Diwali

Kendrapada: The coastal district of Kendrapada is abuzz with activity with local diya makers working tirelessly to meet the growing demand for earthen lamps ahead of Diwali. Around 50 artisans in Kumbhara Sahi are crafting ‘diyas’ of different sizes and colours.Expert diya maker, Samarendra Behera (52), with three decades of experience said, “My entire family is involved in making earthen lamps. Diwali is boom time for us.”Artisan Mahadev Behera of Kumbhara Sahi, said, “We first collect clay from nearby fields and mix it with water. Subsequently, artisans knead the clay. Later, potters put clay on the wheels and use their hands to make diyas. A small metal object or fingers are used to create fine lines on the earthen lamps.

After that we dry the diyas in the sun. The dried diyas are then put in a brick-lined furnace.”However, this ancient craft faces modern challenges. Amar Behera, a 65-year-old artisan, said the number of craftsmen has dropped from over 100 to around 50 in three decades. Despite this decline, dedicated artisans like Mina Das continue the tradition, working while caring for her young children. “We have been making diyas since last 15 days,” she said.

The diyas, priced between Rs 10 and Rs 150, are attracting buyers. “Many traders have bought hundreds of diyas from us since last week,” said Aarakhia Behera (44), an artisan. Mahendra Behera, while baking diyas under the sun, said, “To make the diyas more attractive, we paint them in different colours.”