Potters hit hard by COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese lights

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Potters who make earthen lamps (diyas), have been badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. They are hoping that their lives will light up this Diwali.

Babu Mishra, a potter who sells earthen lamps on the roadside at Maligaon in the city, said, "Due to the pandemic, Diwali celebration was low-key last year. Our business was severely hit. This year, with the government relaxing the COVID restrictions, we hope that people will celebrate the festival of lights in a big way. This will give our business the much-needed push." He, however, added that over the years, the sale of earthen lamps during Diwali had decreased. He blamed the Chinese lights that flood the markets for this dip in the sale of earthen lamps.

"Chinese lights that are available in the market are cheap and more attractive. People nowadays prefer to buy China-made lights instead of earthen lamps. Moreover, to keep the earthen lamps burning you need mustard oil. Considering the hike in prices of essential items, including mustard oil, people buy more of Chinese lights and less of earthen lamps," he rued.

Mishra further added that the trend of online shopping had also adversely affected their livelihood. "People now prefer to buy diyas and lights online instead of buying from us. All these factors are hampering our business. Potters like me are finding it difficult to run our families with such a meagre income," he said, and added, "We urge the government to extend some financial help to potters and to take up some scheme for our welfare."

Also Read: Diwali 2021: Know About Famous Diwali Sweets & How to Make Diwali Desserts with Easy and Quick Recipes

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