Home / Business and Economy / Ayodhya Women Shine: Deepotsav Fuels Entrepreneurship
Ayodhya Women Shine: Deepotsav Fuels Entrepreneurship
5 Nov
Summary
- Women artisans in Ayodhya are finding economic empowerment through Deepotsav.
- New ventures include homestays, digital content creation, and crafts.
- Deepotsav's scale creates substantial income opportunities for local women.
Deepotsav in Ayodhya, once a primarily domestic celebration, has evolved into a powerful catalyst for women's economic empowerment over the past decade. This grand festival, now celebrated with millions of diyas, has opened doors for numerous women to launch and grow their own enterprises.
Homestay entrepreneur Uma Singh now earns up to Rs 2,000 daily during Deepotsav, while digital creator Anushka Shukla has gained over a lakh followers showcasing Ayodhya's heritage, leading to her restaurant's success. These women exemplify how the festival's amplified visitor numbers and cultural focus create new market opportunities.
Artisans also benefit significantly. Incense makers, like Anju Singh working with 13 other women, collectively earn over Rs 50,000 monthly during Diwali season. Potters, such as Sundara, are creating massive orders for earthen lamps, with 25 women producing 1.60 lakh lamps for Deepotsav 2026, valued at Rs 12.8 lakh. Diya makers like Pinki Devi see daily earnings surge to Rs 5,000-Rs 6,000.
Furthermore, women are engaged in making leaf plates, cotton wicks, and decorative items, contributing essential components to the festival's supply chain. For instance, Sabina Khatoon's self-help group fulfilled an order for three lakh wicks in 2020. Even devotional singers Bhagyashree and Dhanashree Watkar found a larger stage for their music through performances at Deepotsav, leading to further invitations.
