As the Kali Puja season approaches, the demand for earthen lamps is increasing. Even though LED lights, tinsel lights, and electric lights of many colors are available today, the value of earthen lamps remains strong.
In many potter villages in the district, including Krishnanagar, Shantipur, and Ranaghat, work on making lamps is going on day and night. Artists say it is possible to earn up to three times more this season by investing just 2,000 taka.
One potter said, “No matter how many modern lights there are, at least a few earthen lamps will be lit in every house during every puja. This art will never disappear.” However, he added that the cost of making lamps has increased a lot these days.
Price and Demand
The price of one car of clay has gone up to approx. 1,500-2,000 taka. So, due to these slight increases in price, sales are increasing as well even more so due to higher demand.New Designs and Higher Profits
Not only are small lamps being made, but now various types of designed lamps are also available—five-lamp sets, fourteen-lamp sets, flower-shaped or conch-shaped lamps. These artistic lamps are priced higher, which is increasing profits for the makers.
Domestic and overseas market
These lamps are also being shipped to places like Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, and even international market as well as to other cities in India. The lamp business has become a primary source of income and subsistence for many people in this season.