Malda, Oct. 30 -- With Diwali just days away, traditional artisans in Malda are working against the clock to meet the seasonal demand for earthen lamps and candles. While potters in Bachamari Palpara of Old Malda are busy shaping thousands of clay diyas, candle makers in Haiderpur are working round the clock to fulfil orders ahead of the festival of lights.

At Bachamari Palpara in Ward 19 of the Old Malda Municipality, the workshop of 55-year-old potter Shila Pal presents a picture of intense activity. She has been making earthen lamps for years and remains the only member of her family involved in the traditional craft. Her husband works as a mason, her two daughters are married, and her son is employed at a pharmaceutical company.

Pal said she spends eight to nine months a year making earthen lamps, with Diwali bringing the biggest sales opportunity. During the festive season, she sells around 70,000 to 80,000 diyas.

"Although the price of clay has increased, we have not raised the price of earthen lamps compared to last year. The wholesale rate is currently Rs 400 per 1,000 diyas," she said.

Another local artisan, Sudeb Pal, also steps up diya production ahead of Diwali. Although he makes various earthen products throughout the year, lamps become his primary focus during the festive season.

"I have been doing this work since childhood. The use of decorative LED lights has increased, but there is still demand for traditional earthen lamps," he said.

However, Sudeb expressed concern over the declining interest among younger generations in pursuing pottery as a profession, raising questions about the future of the traditional craft.

Meanwhile, candle-making units in Haydarpur, Malda town, are witnessing a similar seasonal rush. Workers are busy melting wax and pouring it into moulds to produce candles of different shapes, designs and sizes.

Candle unit owner Ratan Saha said the price of wax had increased this year, forcing manufacturers to raise candle prices slightly. However, the higher rates have not dampened demand.

"Demand remains strong despite the increase in prices. We have already supplied candles against orders received earlier. Now, we are concentrating on meeting the requirements of small neighbourhood shopkeepers," Saha said.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.