Doora potters keep clay lamp tradition alive… 

Mysuru: Even as colourful porcelain and mould-made decorative lamps dominate the market, the making of traditional clay lamps for Deepavali continues in Doora village of Mysuru taluk. Members of several potter families are busy preparing thousands of lamps to meet the demand during Deepavali, the Festival of Lights. 

For the past five to six decades, these families have made clay lamps and supplied them to Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar and other places for Deepavali. They have continued with their hereditary occupation and as in previous years, are making lamps for the festive season. 

At the Kumbara Kushala Kaigarika Sahakara Sangha (Kumbara Skilled Artisan Cooperative Society) in Doora, members of 14 families work together in a large shed, making clay lamps for Deepavali and the month of Karthika. The lamps are supplied to Mysuru and neighbouring districts. About a decade ago, community produced between 10 lakh and 12 lakh lamps every year. With demand falling over the years, production has now come down to around one lakh. 

Decorative lamps flood the market 

Decorative porcelain and mould-made lamps from other States have begun flooding the market. Available in a variety of colours and designs, many of these lamps are coated with chemical-based paints and sold at puja material shops and roadside stalls. Companies are also selling decorative lamps through online platforms. 

Though these lamps are costlier, many people prefer them for their appearance. The growing preference has affected the demand for traditional clay lamps, dealing a blow to the small-scale cottage industry. 

Traditional craft survives despite falling demand 

Despite the competition from decorative lamps, potter families in Doora continue to make clay lamps. They have been at work for the past month, preparing stocks for the festive season.  

Though demand has dwindled, the families are determined to continue their hereditary occupation and keep the traditional craft alive. 

‘Will help sustain our livelihood’ 

“Earlier, around 50 families in Doora village were engaged in making clay lamps as a cottage industry. Today, only 14 families continue this work. By the time the next generation takes over, the number of people making clay lamps is likely to decline further.” 

“Demand has fallen considerably, affecting the traditional occupation of the potter community. If people in the city light ten clay lamps instead of bursting ten crackers, they can help protect the environment and support families dependent on this hereditary craft. People should give up decorative lamps and switch to traditional clay lamps.” 

— Venkatesh, lamp maker, Doora village 

‘Clay lamps are chemical-free’ 

“The clay lamps made by the potter community are environment-friendly, as no chemicals are used in their making. Using clay lamps is the best option. Everyone should make it a point to use them.”  

— Devashetty, lamp maker, Doora village 

‘200 lamps a day’ 

“We have been making clay lamps for the past 15 years. Demand has declined this year. We make Deepavali lamps, Karthika Deepams, Ayyappa Swamy lamps and incense aarti holders, all made entirely of clay.” 

— Padma, lamp maker 

‘Making them for 40 years’ 

“We have been making clay lamps, incense trays and several other clay products for the past 40 years. We have been working continuously for the past month to make lamps for the festive season. Many of us are still engaged in this occupation. We appeal to everyone to use clay lamps.” 

— Chowdamma, lamp maker