Assam pottery family struggles to sustain traditional craft ahead of Diwali
Artisans in Chandrapur face rising production challenges and low returns despite high festive demand for earthen lamps.
Potters in Chandrapur, Assam, are working long hours to meet the demand for earthen lamps ahead of Diwali, according to The Assam Tribune. The Pal family, who have practiced pottery for generations, is among those racing to produce diyas for the festival.
Sonil Pal, a potter, said the family has been engaged in the craft since his great-grandfather's time. He noted that while the family makes idols to sustain their livelihood, the occupation is becoming harder to maintain due to the popularity of electric lamps and Chinese decorative lights.
Bipasha Pal, the daughter-in-law of Sonil Pal, said finding suitable sticky clay from pond beds has become a major challenge. She stated that unsuitable clay causes products to break during the manufacturing process.
The family faces financial difficulties, with Sonil Pal noting that wholesale traders pay Rs 80 for every 100 earthen lamps. In retail markets, the family sells them for approximately Re 1 apiece.
To increase production and reduce physical strain, the family is looking toward mechanisation. A family member said that while they currently make around 1,000 lamps a day by hand, machinery could increase production to around 2,500 lamps a day.
The family's products reach Hajo, Rangia, and parts of Barpeta district. They believe better market access could help improve their livelihoods.