India, Nov. 8 -- Rural women associated with self-help groups in Gautam Budh Nagar are tapping the festive market by handcrafting Diwali essentials, including candles, earthen diyas, and other decorative items.

In Shamshamnagar village, members of the Ujala self-help group are making candles in different colours and designs. Meanwhile, the Shri Ganesh self-help group in Dhanuwas village under Dadri tehsil is producing earthen diyas for the festival.

Women from other self-help groups in the district are also preparing decorative and traditional products in response to seasonal demand. Their products are being marketed through local retailers, providing the groups access to buyers beyond their immediate villages.

Facilitated by the distr...