“Diwali has always been an important festival for us in the potter community. Back in my hometown in Tandur, my family and I would have a blast celebrating Diwali while selling our products!

The process involves making the diyas out of clay myself, while my 70-year-old grandpa burns them. The craft doesn’t pay much, but I’m still here to continue the family tradition! I feel an intense connection with nature while I work, and really hope that pottery reclaims its position as a skilled artform.

For the past few years, we’ve been facing a lot of financial problems so I was forced to drop out of school after the 10th grade. Presently, the diyas carved out of natural clay are less likely to attract people because of the large number of electronic alternatives that have occupied the market.
Retailers who come to purchase our diyas say that customers don’t prefer traditional diyas anymore. We’re also trying new designs to get the business running throughout the year. However, the prices of buying the sand and other raw materials have become quite difficult for us. I just hope that people realize the actual meaning of the festival, its cultural importance and of course, the illuminating beauty of the diya itself!”

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