Diwali Dilemma: Potters Struggle to Dry Lamps Amid Relentless Rain

As the Diwali festival approaches, potters and makers of earthen lamps in Ranchi are struggling to cope with the impact of continuous rainfall that has disrupted their traditional drying process. The persistent wet weather has left the artisans unable to prepare a sufficient stock of lamps for the upcoming celebrations.

Vishnu Karmakar, a potter from Jagannathpur, explains that the process of drying the earthen lamps usually takes at least four days, but the moisture-laden air and insufficient sunlight have prevented them from doing so adequately this year. As a result, many of the lamps are cracking, and the overall stock is not building up as expected.

Asha Devi, a potter from Kumbhartoli, reveals that they typically prepare around 10 lakh earthen lamps every year, but this time they have only managed to make about 1 lakh due to the constant rain. Diwali sales contribute a significant portion of annual income for many families dependent on making different kinds of diyas, and Sabita Devi, another potter, expresses concern about their ability to meet the usual bulk orders from nearby towns.

Ashok Prajapati, a potter from the Purani Ranchi area, anticipates that the prices of all clay-based Diwali items will rise this year due to higher production expenses, increased transportation and coal costs, as well as overall inflation. The continuous rainfall has undoubtedly dealt a major setback to the potters and lamp makers, leaving them struggling to prepare for the upcoming festival.