“Diwali has always been a special festival for our family. These diyas are fired at around 900°C, and each one is shaped by hand in different designs and sizes, depending on what our customers want. The process is entirely hands-on: first we mold the clay, then let it dry naturally, paint it carefully, and finally place it in the kiln for firing. Every step takes patience and skill, and even a small mistake can ruin the piece.

Keeping this craft alive today is not easy. The market is flooded with cheaper, factory-made alternatives, and competition is cutthroat. Many customers prefer ready-made diyas or plastic alternatives, which makes it difficult for traditional artisans to earn a stable living. Despite this, our family continues the work because it’s more than a livelihood—it’s our heritage. For generations, our ancestors have made these lamps, and now our children are learning the craft too. Watching them handle the clay, shape the diyas, and learn the colours and patterns makes the tradition feel alive.

The earnings aren’t huge, but that’s never the point. What matters is knowing that when Diwali comes, homes across Hyderabad will light up with lamps made by our hands, keeping our family’s legacy glowing year after year.”