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Jaunpur (Uttar Pradesh), October 13 (IANS) As Diwali approaches, women of rural self-help groups (SHGs) in Jaunpur are playing an important role in keeping the spirit of the festival alive. They are spreading its light across the country and also abroad. Under the centrally sponsored National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), women – including those from the Muslim community – are creating vibrant, eco-friendly lamps made of clay and wax in both traditional and tricolor designs.
This year’s Diwali holds special significance, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to adopt “swadeshi” (made in India) products. The lamps made by these women are not only in line with this vision but also reflect the resilience, creativity and economic empowerment of rural women.
One such initiative is the “Milky Self-Help Group”, consisting of ten women who work together from 11 am to 5 pm every day.
Most of the members are from the Muslim community and they include Zafarun Ijaz, Rihanna, Chand Tara, Nazbun, Sofia, Johari, Indu Bala, Bishakha, Subhavati and Seema. The group leader says that he has been engaged in this work for the last three years.
Zafurun Ijaz, a key member of the group, says, “We started with only 1,000 lamps in our first year. This year, we have already received orders for more than 15,000 lamps, including from Mumbai and abroad.”
Made without any machinery, these lamps are completely handmade, using clay, wax and natural dyes. The women purchase raw clay lamps from other local self-help groups, which helps supplement the income of fellow artisans in the community.
The initial capital came from his personal savings, and later, he received financial assistance of Rs 1.1 lakh from the government under NRLM, which helped him scale up his operations. Now, each woman earns around Rs 10,000 per Diwali season, which contributes significantly to their household income.
“These are 100 percent indigenous products, made by the hands of rural women. There are no factories or machines involved,” Zafurun says proudly.
The group also shared a special moment when one of Zafurun’s husband’s friends, who lives in the US, came to visit them and was so impressed by the lamps that he took 50 lamps with him as samples.
“He plans to light them in America this Diwali,” he said with a smile.
Each diya burns for about an hour to an hour and a half, and they are sold individually for Rs 15, or as a pack of 12 diyas for Rs 150 – with an MRP of Rs 200. The packaging and design make them ideal not only for homes but also as festive gifts.
The women thanked Prime Minister Modi for promoting the Swadeshi movement, which has opened new markets and opportunities for local products.
“We are proud to contribute to this movement. Let’s use things made in our country,” Zafurun said.
–IANS
BRT/PGH