In Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district, artisans are busy creating clay diyas for Diwali using traditional methods. Natthu Prajapati, a Gahbara village resident, has been making these diyas for 50 years. He crafts not only clay diyas but also various clay items such as utensils and pots. The production of earthen lamps begins in the month leading up to Diwali, using smooth pond soil that has minimal pebbles, which he believes is ideal for crafting diyas.
Prajapati shapes the diyas by spinning the wheel, incorporating husk and ash into the clay. He avoids using refined clay for the finishing touches, emphasizing that this traditional craft demands significant effort.
Once formed, the raw diyas are fired in a kiln fueled by dung cakes and wood, taking about a day to complete. This Diwali, he has produced an impressive 10,000 diyas. In the market, each diya sells for Rs 5, though prices can drop to Rs 3 when necessary.
In a similar spirit, a 7-year-old boy from Thakurgaon, a small village near Ranchi, has taken it upon himself to contribute to his family’s Diwali celebrations. He has been making and selling clay diyas and other decorative items for two years, crafting another 10,000 diyas for the festival to support his family financially.