Lucknow: An order for 1.6 lakh earthen lamps worth Rs 12.8 lakh brought work and profit to 25 women potters in Barabanki and Ayodhya ahead of Deepotsav.The women from Kajiyapur and Bhaghar Jheel rural tourism village in Barabanki, and Gyaspur in Ayodhya, are making diyas at Rs 8 apiece.Trained in pottery under rural development initiatives, they are using their skills to meet the demand generated by one of UP’s biggest cultural celebrations.The initiative connects rural crafts with tourism, allowing village artisans to benefit from the economic activity surrounding Deepotsav.By linking their products to a large-scale event, it offers women an opportunity to earn while keeping traditional pottery alive.Tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh said, “We are connecting rural arts, traditions and local products with tourism to create employment opportunities and strengthen the village economy. The diya initiative for Deepotsav 2026 gives women an opportunity to use their pottery skills for a major cultural event and take their work to a wider market.”For participants Sundara, Savidhi and Meena, the order is helping them contribute to their family incomes. Rajeshwari, Veermati and Reena said such opportunities gave their skills recognition and helped sustain traditional pottery, adding that better market access was crucial to keeping the craft viable.Additional chief secretary, tourism, culture and religious affairs, Amrit Abhijat said, “Rural tourism becomes meaningful when village traditions and local skills provide a strong foundation for livelihoods. Our aim is to connect UP’s cultural heritage with markets and create earning opportunities for local communities.”The 10th Deepotsav, scheduled for Nov 7, is expected to illuminate Ayodhya with more than 30 lakh lamps. The women’s order links the festival’s preparations to livelihoods in villages beyond the temple town.
