AI Generated Summary
- In an age dominated by electric lights and digital displays, it is the dedication of potters and the affection of the people that keep this ancient art form alive — ensuring that Diwali continues to glow not just with light, but with tradition.
- The Chandol, larger than the ordinary diya, is built with space to hold multiple wicks, and the Diwali lamp, a tower-like structure, symbolizes radiance rising toward the heavens.
- The process begins with drying and pounding the earth, sieving it to remove impurities, and then mixing it with water to achieve the perfect consistency.
As Diwali, the festival of lights, draws near, local artisans are racing against time to meet the soaring demand for earthenware that forms an integral part of the celebrations. Across the city’s bustling bazaars, potters can be seen shaping, firing, and painting a wide variety of terracotta creations — from diyas and Hatri to Chandol, Pari, and idols of deities.
These traditional items, crafted with devotion and artistry, illuminate homes and temples during the festival. The humble diya — available in countless sizes and designs — remains the centerpiece of Diwali décor. Experts note that structures such as Hatri, Chandol, and Pari hark back to an era when oil lamps were the primary sources of light after sunset. The Pari, a woman-shaped figurine, holds wicks in her hands, while the Hatri resembles a miniature house, its open side revealing tiny lamps glowing in every corner. The Chandol, larger than the ordinary diya, is built with space to hold multiple wicks, and the Diwali lamp, a tower-like structure, symbolizes radiance rising toward the heavens.
“The festival feels incomplete without the terracotta elephants, horses, and idols of Ganesha and Lakshmi,” said Bhola, a seasoned potter and trader. “These clay figures are considered pure, and after the Diwali prayers, they are immersed in running water as a mark of respect.”
The cultural significance of these objects is deeply rooted in Punjab’s heritage, echoing the artistic traditions of ancient Harappan civilization. Even as modern lighting solutions abound, the spirit of Diwali remains tied to the earthy glow of hand-made lamps.
Creating these works of art is no simple task. The process begins with drying and pounding the earth, sieving it to remove impurities, and then mixing it with water to achieve the perfect consistency. The clay is shaped, sun-dried, and finally fired in a hearth for several days before artisans paint each piece in vibrant hues. “People often see them as just clay,” said young potter Ravi Kumar, “but each item carries hours of labour, creativity, and patience.”
Despite the rise of machine-made goods, the demand for locally crafted terracotta items persists. Shops in Khidoneyan Wala Bazaar, nestled within the old city’s winding lanes, are brimming with colourful displays. “Sales pick up during Diwali,” said Rajiv, a potter who has been in the trade for years. “Even school students visit to learn about traditional crafts. Customers are willing to pay more if the quality and finish are good.”
Prices remain modest: a set of six small diyas sells for ₹10, while larger pieces like Hatri, Diwali, and Chandol range from ₹20 to ₹80. Alongside local creations, idols from Agra and Lucknow also make their way to Amritsar’s markets, adding to the festive variety.
In an age dominated by electric lights and digital displays, it is the dedication of potters and the affection of the people that keep this ancient art form alive — ensuring that Diwali continues to glow not just with light, but with tradition.
