“Diya Making is an integral part of our potter community, and for me, it still is indispensable. I clearly remember how I used to, as a child, help my father in making the diyas during the festive season. That followed by decorating the diyas and pots by my mother. She would decorate them with colourful patterns and it was certainly a one-of-its-kind experience for me.

Diwali has always been an important festival. The diyas which you could see behind are heated at approximately 900°C. We make them out of different sizes and shapes as per our customer’s preferences. The process involves making the diyas out of clay myself and then firing them in the kiln before it goes out in the market. Even though I don’t earn much, I’m still here to continue our community tradition. I am the sole breadwinner for my family ever since the passing away of my father 13 years ago.

For the last one and half years, we’ve faced many problems due to covid and also the flash floods in Hyderabad. Moreover, the traditional diyas are losing their importance due to the availability of other electronic alternatives.

Retailers who come to purchase our diyas say that customers don’t prefer traditional diyas anymore so we are trying our best to come up with new designs to get the business running throughout the year. I just hope people support us during these crisis times and realise, the illuminating beauty of the Diyas.”

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