Deepotsav has filled new light in the lives of the potter families of Ayodhya. The youth, who have been going out in search of employment for years, are now becoming self-reliant from their own soil. The Deepotsav, which started on the initiative of the Uttar Pradesh government, has not only boosted the economy of Ayodhya but has also given new life to the traditional clay art.
This year, a target has been set to light 26 lakh 11 thousand 101 lamps in the ninth Deepotsav. On the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, preparations are going on war footing. Students, officers and voluntary organizations of Avadh University are also engaged in making this event historic.
Brij Kishore Prajapati of Jaisinghpur village says that ever since Deepotsav is being celebrated, he and his family have been continuously making lamps. This time he has received an order to make two lakh lamps. He said that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has connected families like ours with employment by starting the tradition of Deepotsav. Now we are self-reliant.
Leaving the old method, potters are now using modern electric wheels. This has not only increased production but also improved the quality of lamps. More than 40 potter families of Jaisinghpur village are busy day and night making earthen lamps for the festival of lights.
Before 2017, these potters used to struggle for livelihood. After the start of Deepotsav, his life has completely changed. Where earlier these families used to earn Rs 20 to 25 thousand a month, now they earn lakhs of rupees during Deepotsav alone.
Pinky Prajapati of Sohawal tells that this time she has received an order to make one lakh lamps. He said, earlier during Diwali, lamps were sold cheaply, now due to the government’s call, good rates are being given in the market.
On the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, priority is being given to earthen lamps in the Deepotsav. Due to this, local potters are getting orders on a large scale. There is a festive atmosphere at this time in Jaisinghpur, Vidyakund, Sohawal and surrounding villages.
Hundreds of families including Ayodhya local residents Ram Bhavan Prajapati, Guddu Prajapati, Raju Prajapati, Jagannath Prajapati, Ram Bhavan Prajapati, Sunil Prajapati and Santosh Prajapati are busy kneading clay, shaping it and drying and selling lamps.
