, Nov. 6 -- With Diwali - the festival of lights - approaching, potters in Kumarpalli of Kurigram's Fulbari upazila have been producing thousands of traditional clay lamps to meet the seasonal demand, but rising production costs and stagnant selling prices are eating into their earnings.

For the past 20 days, potter families have been working tirelessly to produce thousands of earthen lamps, locally known as diyari, for supply to different markets ahead of the festivals. Men, women and even children are joining hands to complete the work in time.

For generations, members of the Hindu community have illuminated their homes and puja mandaps with traditional clay lamps alongside decorative electric lights during Diwali.

The festival-drive...