Umerkote, 17th Oct 2025: As the festival of lights, Diwali, approaches, the potters’ workshops have become bustling with activity. In San Bharandi village under Bada Bharandi panchayat of Umerkote block in Nabarangpur district, potter families have immersed themselves in the preparation of earthen lamps. More than 50 potter families in the village, from young children to elderly members, are all engaged in making lamps.
These families earn their livelihood throughout the year by making and selling various clay items at local markets and village fairs. By selling their handmade clay products, some of these potter families earn over one lakh rupees annually. However, Diwali season brings the highest income compared to the rest of the year.
Local potters like Yadu Kumbhar, Mangatu Kumbhar, Mahendra Kumbhar, Madhu Kumbhar, Jayasingh Kumbhar, Roop Singh Kumbhar, Prahlad Kumbhar, Lakshman Kumbhar, Haldhar Kumbhar, Dalimba Kumbhar, Umasi Kumbhar, Kamala Kumbhar, Karaphula Kumbhar, and Neelam Kumbhar shared that they usually earn ₹50,000 to ₹60,000 during Diwali alone.
As local demand for lamps remains relatively low, they travel to nearby areas like Jeypore, Kotpad, Borigumma in Nabarangpur district and even to cities in neighboring Chhattisgarh such as Jagdalpur, Bastar, Kondagaon, and Kanker to sell their lamps. These regions have higher demand for earthen lamps, resulting in better income for the potters.
In Chhattisgarh, they sell 100 large lamps for ₹180, medium-sized lamps for Rs150, and small lamps forRs110. Locally, the price for 100 lamps ranges from ₹80 to ₹120.
The types of lamps in demand during Diwali include Ruka deep, chhota deep (small lamps), junamar, aalati deep (ritual lamps), and kalasha deep (pot-shaped lamps). People especially come to the potters during Diwali to buy these specific types.
Although steel, plastic, and aluminum household items are now widely available in the market, reducing the demand for earthenware, people still rely on potters during festivals like Diwali, marriages, religious rituals, and other occasions. As a result, the potter families continue to play an essential role in cultural and festive celebrations despite the rising competition from modern alternatives.
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