Pottery Making: Diya

Diya making

Pottery making at school, when I was in JK.
#podarjumbokids

The tradition of pottery is one of the oldest crafts of India. For generations people have been lighting their houses with earthen diyas (oil lamp) during Diwali, the festival of lights. Diya automatically relates to Diwali, which is the time of the year to buy lamps made from clay. Lighting a diya, symbolises removing darkness, and victory good over evil, knowledge over ignorance. Moreover, it is believed that the earthen diya is essential to welcome the goddess of wealth, Laxmi.
Nowadays people are increasingly buying electric strings of lights, floating candles and perfumed wax lights for Diwali replacing the simple earthen oil lamp.

The demand of earthen utensils such as pots and vessels has been falling every year, which is slowly leading to the disappearance of the craft. However, various initiatives and attempts are being made, to keep the ancient craft alive through heritage tours and workshops.  

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Music Credit:
Music: Good time 02
Musician: Xuxiao
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