October 26 : Ayodhya: Deepotsav in Ayodhya is no longer just a celebration of faith and tradition but is also creating employment opportunities for local artisans. The grand scale of the festival under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has boosted demand for diyas, benefiting potter families.
Young members of these families, who once moved to other cities in search of employment, are now earning a livelihood in their own region by practising their traditional craft. Deepotsav has not only given a new identity to the tradition of making diyas but has also strengthened the local economy.
Brij Kishore Prajapati of Jaisinghpur village says that ever since Deepotsav began, his entire family has been continuously engaged in making diyas. This year, he received an order for one lakh lamps, which were prepared and delivered on time.
Rajesh Prajapati, also from the same village, received an order for two lakh lamps. According to him, all family members work together to fulfil such orders. He says that earlier, the family could barely earn ₹20,000 to ₹25,000 in an entire month, whereas now, they earn lakhs of rupees during the Deepotsav season alone.
Large orders are generating employment for families locally, while young people are building their future by embracing the traditional art of working with clay. This year, Rajesh also received an order for two lakh lamps, which was prepared and delivered on time.
The provision of electric potter’s wheels to potter families has accelerated the production of diyas. The use of modern equipment alongside traditional methods has enhanced production capacity and improved the quality of the lamps.
Potter families in villages such as Jaisinghpur, Vidyakund and Deodhi in Sohawal are busy preparing for Deepotsav. The work of kneading clay, shaping lamps and drying them is continuing at a steady pace in households across these villages.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the focus on diyas during Deepotsav has increased opportunities for local artisans to secure large orders. This is helping sustain the livelihoods of potter families while ensuring that their traditional craft continues to thrive.
On the occasion of the 10th Deepotsav, the target this year is to light 30 lakh diyas at Ram Ki Paidi on November 7. Preparations are progressing rapidly.
According to available information, 17.64 lakh lamps have been stored in a warehouse near the ghats at Queen Ho Memorial Park. Students of Avadh University, officials and voluntary organisations are also engaged in preparations to ensure the successful conduct of the event. Around 35,000 volunteers have been deployed to assist with arrangements during Deepotsav.
Ayodhya’s Deepotsav is creating opportunities for local potter families to turn their traditional skills into a sustainable source of livelihood. Rising demand for diyas, large orders and the use of modern equipment are helping artisans expand their work.
The grand scale of Deepotsav under the Yogi government has increased local artisans' participation and renewed recognition for the traditional art of making diyas.
