Mahasamund. The special occasion of Shri Ram Lal Pran Pratishtha has brightened the fortunes of the potters here. These days the potter artisan is busy making earthen lamps. Day and night he along with his family is making lamps of faith with chalk. The demand for lamps even in the off season has given Kumar a new and additional source of income.
By the grace of Ram, we got work in the off season.
It is all due to the grace of Ram that we are making lamps in the off season. The truth is that ever since the date of consecration of Shri Ram Lala has been fixed in Ayodhya. Since that day the demand for lamps and earthen urns has increased. Till now about 50 thousand lamps have been sold.” This is what Mr. Sukhru Kumhar, Potter Para Niasi of Mahasamund has to say. He says that the entire family is considering this work as a ritual. Sukhru potter’s family, his daughter-in-law and son are also busy making lamps. He says that the consecration of Shri Ram Lala has brought a new opportunity for us. All this is the grace of Ram. He said that about 35 families in the city are engaged in this work.
Women’s group also got a means of additional income
In this way, the women of the group are also engaged day and night in the work of making lamps. Members of Mahaprabhu Mahila Group and Lakshmi Narayan Mahila Group said that till now about 60 thousand lamps have been sold. For the first time, orders have also been received from Raipur. Uttara Chakradhari of Mahaprabhu group told that there are 10 members in her group and all of them are continuously making lamps and clay urns in their homes. Demand has also increased in the market. Similarly, Kusum Lata Chakradhari of women’s group Lakshmi Narayan said. That on this occasion we are making lamps with joy and faith. This has led to a sudden increase in our livelihood. Each lamp is sold for about 75 paise. It is by the grace of Shri Ram that we have got this auspicious opportunity. Group member Kusum Lata said that this is a special opportunity for us that the lamps made by us will shine in the temples. We will also light lamps in our respective homes.
Got loan and electronic chalk from the government
Sukhru Potter said that he got an electronic wheel about 7 years ago. With the help of which he is continuously making decorative items from clay. A member of the Mahaprabhu Group said that he had got a loan of ₹ 1 lakh through the National Livelihood Urban Development Agency. ,By which it was able to work. Premsheela Baghel, guide of the women’s group, said that now as per the intention of the government, the members of the women’s group will be provided benefits under the Prime Minister Vishwakarma Yojana so that they can carry forward their business.
