Nandannagar (Tripura), Oct 17 (ANI): Potters in Paulpara village located on the outskirts of Agartala are extremely delighted, as their dull business has again turned bright with the arrival of Diwali, the 'festival of lights'.
Pradip Rudra Paul, 14, a student of class eight, is busy helping his father making earthen lamps, for this Diwali.
"I study in class eight but now I am helping my father in his work. I help in sun drying the lamps (earthen) and also colour them. I enjoy the work," said Pradip.
Pradip is not only making a little extra for his family, but also saving some money for himself, which he shall spend during the upcoming Diwali festival, which is celebrated in this part of India as 'Kali Puja'.
There are around 100 families involved in pottery work in Paulpara village. Most of the families settled here came from East Pakistan sometime or other and are still involved in the tradition old pottery works, which they inherited from their forefathers. But the new generation, it seems is no more interested in pottery work because with the introduction of plastic, the demand for earthen things have gone down except during the festival time.
Pradip's father Hari Rudra Paul, who is in his early fifties and the head man of the family, complained about his poor financial condition, but said that he is temporarily doing good business as the festive season on.
At present, he along with his wife Sabitri and children are working day and night to supply the demands of earthen lamps, which are required in lakhs on the Diwali night, when people traditionally enlighten their house with 'diyas'.
, "With the introduction of plastic demand for earthen things had gone down and our business was badly affected. But now demands for the earthen lamps are again rising as it's the Diwali time. If we could get some training and loan from the Khadi Board then our business with rejuvenate as we can make a shade where we could also work during the monsoon," said Hari.
"During the festival season we have more work as demand of earthen things are more. We mainly make pots and lamps. Demand for these thing are more during the festival season and the whole family gets involved to completed the works so that we can supply all demands but it is very tough to complete the work then," added Hari's wife Sabitri expressing similar sentiments.
They said that potters eagerly wait for the onset of the festive season when their sales usually surge, but they also viewed that urbanization and modernization had a huge negative impact on their business.
They presume that if they do not find new means to compete with the fast growing consumer market then the grim situation will compel potters to take up some other profession for a living.
Diwali is one of the biggest festivals of Hindus, celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness in India. Different colorful varieties of fireworks are always associated with this festival. On this auspicious day, people light up 'diyas' and candles all around their house.
They perform Laxmi Puja in the evening and seek divine blessings of Goddess of Wealth. The festival of Diwali is never complete without exchange of gifts. People present Diwali gifts to all near and dear ones. By Pinaki Das (ANI)
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