Hirapara pottery artisans prepare for Diwali despite raw material shortages
Pottery makers in Pachim Nalbari are increasing production of earthen lamps to meet rising festive demand despite facing high procurement costs.
Pottery artisans in Hirapara Chuburi, located in Pachim Nalbari, are currently shaping earthen lamps to meet rising market demand for Diwali, according to The Assam Tribune.
The village of Khatarupiabathan, situated on the eastern bank of the Burhadiya River, has become a terracotta craft centre where approximately 60 families have practiced pottery for generations.
Artisans use traditional methods involving clay preparation, wheel shaping, drying, and kiln firing to create diyas, pots, and vessels.
One artisan stated that their products are sold throughout the state and receive orders from outside Assam, noting that this shows the popularity of the craft.
The community faces a shortage of appropriate clay, which requires them to buy raw materials from Morigaon and other districts at expensive rates.
While a pottery industrial unit was set up at Hirapara Chuburi a few years ago with assistance from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), the facility is not yet fully operational.
Artisans have called for government support to adopt modern techniques and improve product attractiveness to compete with cheaper Chinese goods.