Clay lamps back in vogue

PATNA: Traditional earthen lamps in variety of designs and shape is back with a bang this Diwali. The city streets are flooded with makeshift shops selling designer earthen lamps to keep up with the increasing demand during this festive occasion.

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

"Every year the demand is growing up. Earlier, people wanted simple earthern lamps but now they ask for designer lamps which have provision for several corners to place the wicks," said Akhilesh Sahay, a potter from Digha.

These designer diyas have now surpassed synthetic bright Chinese lights which decorates our home. "Customers' choice has undergone a sea change during the last few years. Since everybody wants to display something innovative, we have ample scope to demonstrate our creativity," said Anita, a member of the self-help group which produces terracotta pottery.

"As this is made of mud, it is the creativity of your mind that works every year. Every year, we try to make something new," said Ram Kumar, a potter and designer.

"According to tradition, earthen lamps are lit on Diwali to celebrate Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya after an exile of 14 years. I prefer to light up my house with designer diyas," said Ritu, a housewife.

Available in different designs, the prices range between Rs 20 and Rs 550, depending on the size and style of the lamp. People otherwise also buy these lamps to decorate their homes.

Even wind chimes that whispers the soothing evening breeze, blowing soft across the backyard trees, is moulded out of good earth in terracotta.

"Moreover quite unlike the perishable wax candles, these lamps are easy to install and last long." The stuff is not very expensive either. "You can take home beautiful circular hanging clay lamps with at least seven diyas for Rs 200," says Sunita, a buyer. "The new concept of such hanging lamps has been brought to this part of the region all the way from Jaipur and Delhi," said a vendor.

Even deities moulded out of papier mache and terracotta are also on sale and in great demand. Miniature idols of Lord Ganesha with built-in lamps all around can make an auspicious start to the festivities.

The increase in demand has left the potters beaming. "People tried new things, but never abandoned clay lamps," said potter Mahesh Kumar.