The Deepotsav organized in Ayodhya has brought a new glow to the lives of potter families. The Yogi government's initiative has not only strengthened the local economy but also given a new identity to the traditional art of pottery. Now, young people who used to wander in search of livelihood are becoming self-reliant on their own land.
Potters are receiving large-scale orders for diyas (earthen lamps), increasing their income from thousands to lakhs. This year, the target is to light 26 lakh 11 thousand 101 diyas. Hundreds of families are involved in this work and have now started using modern techniques.
Yogi Government's Initiative and Its Impact
The organization of Deepotsav is giving a new identity to earthen lamps. Now, there is prosperity in the potter families of Ayodhya. Where previously young people would go outside in search of work, they now have the opportunity to work in their own villages and become self-reliant. Preparations to make Deepotsav historic are underway on a war footing by the government.
Diya Preparations and Technological Changes
Brij Kishore Prajapati from Jaisinghpur village states that his family has been continuously making diyas since Deepotsav began. This year, they have received an order to make two lakh diyas. He said that this initiative has provided direct employment to their family.
Where potters previously worked with traditional methods, they now use modern electric pottery wheels. The effect of this has been faster production and improved quality of diyas.
Economic Transformation — From Thousands to Lakhs
Before 2017, these families often struggled for their livelihood. But after the start of Deepotsav, their economic condition completely changed. Previously, their monthly income was 20–25 thousand rupees; now, during Deepotsav alone, they earn lakhs.
For example, Pinky Prajapati from Sohawal has received an order to make one lakh diyas this year. She said that earlier, diya sales were low, but now, thanks to the government's initiative, they are getting a good price.
The Vibrancy and Market of Deepotsav
As per the orders of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, earthen diyas have been given a special place in Deepotsav this year.
This has resulted in large-scale orders for potters. There is a festive atmosphere in Jaisinghpur, Vidyakund, Sohawal, and nearby villages.
Hundreds of families, including Rambhavan Prajapati, Guddu Prajapati, Raju Prajapati, Jagannath Prajapati, Sunil Prajapati, and Santosh Prajapati, are currently engaged in kneading clay, shaping diyas, drying, and selling them.
The following year-wise data on the number of diyas lit in previous years demonstrates how Deepotsav's popularity has grown:
Year Number of Diyas Lit
2017
1.71 Lakh
2018
3.01 Lakh
2019
4.04 Lakh
2020
6.06 Lakh
2021
9.41 Lakh
2022
15.76 Lakh
2023
22.23 Lakh
2024
25.12 Lakh
