Kurigram:With the festival of Diwali approaching, potters in Kumarpalli, located in Kurigram's Fulbari upazila, are busy producing thousands of traditional clay lamps to meet the increased demand. Despite the seasonal business opportunity, rising production costs and stagnant selling prices are significantly affecting their profits.
According to United News of Bangladesh, potter families have been working tirelessly for the past 20 days to produce these traditional earthen lamps, known locally as diyari, in preparation for the festival. The entire community, including men, women, and children, is involved in the production process to ensure timely completion.
Generations of the Hindu community have used these clay lamps to illuminate their homes and puja mandaps during Diwali, alongside decorative electric lights. The festival-driven demand results in a surge of activity for the potters of Kumarpalli each year.
A recent visit to Chandrakhana Kumarpalli revealed artisans engaged in various stages of production. They are preparing clay, shaping lamps on pottery wheels, drying them in the sun, and making final preparations for sale. These lamps are supplied to local markets and different areas of Fulbari and Nageshwari, as well as to Barabari and Noyarhat in the neighboring Lalmonirhat district.
Potter Bishnu Chandra Paul and his wife Tumpa Rani Paul have set a target of producing around 20,000 lamps this year, selling most of them directly from their home. However, despite high demand, the couple and other local artisans like Tapas Kumar Paul, Ananda Kumar Paul, and Beren Chandra Paul face challenges due to rising prices of clay, fuel, and other raw materials. The profits they earn today are significantly less compared to 15 to 20 years ago.
Once the Diwali rush concludes, these artisans plan to return to crafting other clay products such as cooking pots and household utensils. Despite financial difficulties, the potters remain dedicated to their traditional craft, which has been passed down through generations. However, declining income has led to financial hardship for many families involved in the pottery business.
Local leaders such as Kartik Chandra Sarkar and Sunil Chandra Roy noted that Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday during the new moon night. As in previous years, members of the Hindu community are procuring traditional clay lamps to illuminate their homes and puja mandaps.
For the potters of Kumarpalli, Diwali represents not just a cultural celebration but also a crucial opportunity to sustain their traditional craft and livelihood.
Source United News of Bangladesh