Mysuru: No latest lamps including the LED can replace traditional earthen or oil lamp made of clay, said Murali, retired deputy manager of the State Bank of India.
He was speaking at the ongoing Gandhi Shilph Bazaar at JSS Urban Haat, organised by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, in association with JSS Mahavidyapeetha. Many people thronging the venue to not only buy new clothes, sarees and dress materials but also to spend more time at the stalls where traditional lamps for Deepavali are available. Though there are many latest lamps, people still prefer traditional lamps made of clay which is also called Diya.
Murali, along with his wife Veena at a Diya stall, said “The glare we get in traditional lamps made up of clay can’t be seen in anything else. Though there are many latest lamps including LED, we prefer traditional lamps as they are more attractive. We are following this for the past 40 years and will continue for years to come.”
Venkatarathnamma from Chitoor District, who is into this business said, “Since the past 35 years we are into this business. Though many new types of lights have come, it is nice to see people giving importance to traditional clay lamps which are eco-friendly. Maybe 10 years ago, the business was not that good but in the past couple of years the number of people buying clay lamps. Apart from regular Diya, we have lamps with different designs.”
