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Clay Diya Craft Adapts: Pune Potters Embrace New Methods
7 Nov
Summary
- Pune's Kumbharwada shifts to hand-pressed moulds, boosting diya output.
- Sellers now earn only Rs 1 to Rs 1.5 per diya despite increased production.
- Plaster of Paris killas replace traditional clay versions due to ease.
In Pune's Kumbharwada, the traditional craft of diya and killa making is undergoing a significant transformation. While the festive Diwali season sees families crafting up to 1,000 diyas daily, a marked increase from years past, this surge in production is attributed to the adoption of hand-pressed moulds. This efficiency, however, has not led to improved financial returns, with artisans earning a mere Rs 1 to Rs 1.5 per diya.
The community is also sourcing clay from other states like Rajasthan and Gujarat, finding it more consistent than local varieties affected by pollution. Traditional clay killas are increasingly being replaced by lighter, sturdier, and easier-to-produce plaster of Paris (POP) versions, which also offer a better finish when painted.
Despite these changes, with many families balancing traditional pottery with modern occupations, there is an appreciation for preserving heritage. Initiatives like the Pune Municipal Corporation's program to distribute raw clay for killa-making are seen as vital bridges to the past for younger generations.
