Journalism of Courage
Ahead of Diwali, markets in Kolkata are full of Chinese and plastic lights. However, hand-made earthen lamps from Barasat are giving tough competition to the Chinese lights. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)
In the weeks leading up to Diwali, this Chaltaberia village in Barasat comes alive with almost everyone occupied in making handmade earthenware – including not just diyas of all sizes, but also decorative flower pots, platters and vases. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)
Earthen lamps are made in this village throughout the year. However, the name of this village is not well known. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)
During the lockdown, when across the country, businesses suffered huge losses. people here continued working from home. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)
The pottery work in this village has been going on for more than 200 years, with both Hindus and Muslims making diyas for pujas. The new generation was not really interested in this industry until before the lockdown. However, since the lockdown, more people have started working in this field. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)
Cottage artist Pankaj Pal said the first two weeks of the lockdown had been difficult due to transportation problems. Soil prices have also gone up a lot, due to which the price of earthen lamps and other handicrafts shot up. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)
According to the artists, people still give importance to earthen lamps for worshipping purposes during Diwali. However, in order to compete with the Chinese goods, they have had to decrease the price of the lamps. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)
Many artisans are busy making Lakshmi-Ganesha idols for Diwali. Apart from Kolkata, the idols will be transported to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Gujarat, Assam and Patna. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)
The people of this village are happy that more people are involved in pottery-making due to coronavirus pandemic, with no need for anyone go out for work. (Express photo: Shashi Ghosh)
