Rajasthan sends 10 lakh cow dung diyas to Mauritius for Diwali
Around 6.5 lakh eco-friendly lamps have also been supplied to 16 Indian states.
Rajasthan has shipped approximately 10 lakh eco-friendly diyas made from cow dung to Mauritius for Diwali celebrations, according to the Hindustan Times. An additional 6.5 lakh diyas have been sent to 16 states across India.
The lamps are manufactured by young people and women from self-help groups (SHGs) in areas including Tonk, Kota, Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar, Malpura and Niwai. This initiative aims to promote traditional products while creating livelihood opportunities.
Atul Gupta, international coordinator of the Akhil Bharatiya Gaushala Sahyog Parishad, said the project involves the Organic Farmer Producer Association of India and more than 70 SHGs. He noted that nearly 10,000 diyas are being manufactured daily as demand rises.
Monika Gupta, secretary of the Hahnemann Charitable Mission Society, stated that more than 100 women from 10 SHGs in Tonk, Niwai, Bassi, Malpura, Bharatpur and Jaipur have created 16.5 lakh diyas and various cow dung items in the last six months. She said the goal is to help rural women become entrepreneurs and achieve financial independence.
Besides diyas, the groups produce incense sticks, organic manure, flower pots, and idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh. The Parishad provides technical guidance and training to gaushalas through its network of cow shelters.