Artisans hope for Government’s financial support to carry on this generational occupation

By M.T. Yogesh Kumar

Traditional eco-friendly earthen lamps, handcrafted by the potters of Kumbara Kushala Kaigarika Sangha in Doora village, just a few kilometres from Mysuru, are poised to brighten homes this Deepavali.

This year, the potters have crafted over 70,000 lamps for the market. However, sales have fallen short of expectations, as chemically manufactured lamps — attractive and made with various moulds — present stiff competition to these traditional offerings.

Clay lamps are lit to bring auspiciousness and ward off darkness in every household. While electric lights dominate in this modern era, the age-old tradition of clay lamps remains significant, especially in rural areas.

For the past nine months, the members of Kumbara Kushala Kaigarika Sangha, comprising over 30 artisans from 14 families, have diligently produced lamps in their village workshop.

Earlier, there was hope that the demand for handmade lamps would increase, but the influx of private competitors has led to a drastic decline in production, plummeting from approximately 3,00,000 to 4,00,000 lamps to   just 70,000 to 80,000.

Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi promoting products from cottage industries on his popular radio show ‘Mann Ki Baat’ under the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative, consumer response has remained lukewarm, with many opting for harmful chemical-laden products instead.

Affordable and eco-friendly

The eco-friendly earthen lamps, priced between Rs. 3 and Rs. 5 each, starkly contrast with moulded lamps that sell for Rs. 25 to  Rs. 35, sourced from various States. Potters are urging the community to support local artisans by purchasing their handmade lamps.

Gangaraju, a member of the Sangha, said: “The State Government must implement welfare schemes to benefit the Kumbara community. There is a pressing need to create opportunities for us to showcase our talents during Dasara and other national festivals.”

Despite being in the profession for decades, he lamented the declining demand for clay lamps due to the rise of electric lights and candles. He also noted the increasing cost of raw materials, making it difficult to sustain a livelihood from this craft.

Years of expertise

Crafting these earthen lamps requires years of expertise. The clay, sourced from local lakes, is carefully prepared for lamp production. Each lamp is handcrafted without machinery, dried for three days and then baked to enhance durability. While some lamps may break during this process, the majority successfully  reach the market.

Although the ancient tradition of clay lamp making struggles to survive in an age of modernisation, a flicker of hope remains. During Deepavali, many households in Mysuru, especially in the hinterland, still prefer humble clay lamps to illuminate their homes and chase away the darkness. This lingering demand is what keeps the artisans clinging to their age-old craft.

As the festival of lights Deepavali approaches, the clay artisans remain hopeful that their efforts will bring light into the lives of others, even as they navigate the growing pressures of modern technology and shifting consumer preferences.