Click to play videoBhubaneswar: Diyas or lamps are one of the most integral parts in celebrating Diwali and Orissa's artisans make some of the best of these in the country to cater to the need of the festival of lights.
Twenty kilometres from Bhubaneswar lies Pipli, and you will find appliqué craft artisans here at their busiest at this time of the year. With Diwali just round the corner almost all the artisans are busy making appliqué lamps –lamps, which many of us hang in front of our house during Diwali.
Appliqué art trader Deepak Mahapatra says, “I have got orders from Mumbai, Banaras, Jaipur to provide these lamps before Diwali. These lamps are in demand throughout the year but in Diwali the demand is so huge we are unable to make them."
More than 800 years old, the art of appliqué craft of Pipili is made by cutting colourful cloth pieces and stitching them into geometrical shapes. These lamps cost anything between Rs 15 to Rs 1000 depending on the size and the artwork.
Orissa is also known for its terracotta lamps. Meet Debraj Sahoo – a national award winner for terracotta crafts, who works tirelessly during Diwali creating diyas of different shapes and forms – from small to designers ones.
Sahoo says, “During Diwali the customers want something new and unique. So my designer diya is well appreciated and artisans like me are happy to earn a good amount during Diwali by making such lamps."
In order to make our Diwali look more beautiful and brighter, these artisans put in tireless efforts. And when we buy their products in festivals like Diwali we not only patronise the artisans but also help in keeping our tradition alive.
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