Say "NO" to Bargain for Diwali Diyas
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| Image Source: Trivialmatters.blogspot.in |
Read this post if you love pottery, inquisitive to know the process of diya making, and believe that the hard working traditional potters deserve to earn an extra income during Diwali festival like we get bonus/gifts.
And, if you don't get time to read this post, then please try not to bargain for any terracotta diya or god idols that you buy directly from the small potters (or do very little bargain if you think you are being overcharged). I believe, if we can make Amazon or Snapdeal super rich during Diwali, then why not make our traditional potters earn what they deserve. So, help our traditional potters lit their home and celebrate Diwali in a happier way...do buy Terracotta Lamps for Diwali :)
In this post, I will give you an overview of life cycle of a terracotta diya (Earthen Lamp) made by our traditional potters.
Life Cycle of a Pottery Piece
1) Preparing Clay
- Special mud is retrieved from the ground or river side and soaked in water
- Clay is then kneaded thoroughly with feet or hands to make it ready for use.
2) Creating Pottery Piece (Individually)
Thousands of diyas (earthen lamps) are made by potters during Diwali festival either using potter wheel or mold. Potters start working months before Diwali and work day and night.
3) Designing
A crucial step that needs to be completed before clay dries (during leather hard stage of clay). The small patterns or designs are made before clay is dried. So, there is no time to rest!!
4) Drying
Diyas are kept safely in open area for drying. In the picture you can see that potter's family members are also involved in the work.
5) Firing/Baking
All diyas are baked in a man made kiln using upla or wood. During this process, minimum 5% to 10% breakage is predictable. So risk is involved!! In addition, potters ensure that weather should clear to save their work from rain shower (that would spoil all the work)
6) Coloring
Final stroke of paint is given on diyas after they are baked and cooled down.
7) Selling to Customers
I wish selling could be easier for our potters. They need to look for space or pay for space to sell their work. Diwali is kind of bonus month for potters (in a smaller way) as people buy terracotta on large scale during this month unlike other months of year.
8) Bargaining
This is the last step that our potters need to go through, which we should eliminate. Next time, if you feel your potter is charging you a bit high, then think twice before bargaining and imagine if we ever do it in department store like Lifestyle or Big Bazaar.... .then why negotiate with poor potters. Let them also earn a little more this festive season and celebrate Diwali in a big way.
Wish you all a very happy and prosperous Diwali and i wish this small post could bring some change in our outlook towards our traditional potters :)
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