Raipurites opt for desi diyas this Diwali

Diwali is the festival of lights and as the festival approaches, Raipurites are busy scouting around for dazzling and beautiful varieties of diyas and lanterns available in the market. While, the festival is incomplete without the traditional earthen diyas, there are many quirky and different ones that are in demand as well.
Medley of designer diyas
Apart from the regular circular diyas which are available in the market for Rs 3 per diya, there are many other varieties of clay diyas and the price ranges anything between Rs 3 to Rs 1000 for the elaborately designed ones.Just like the regular sized ones, there are larger ones which can be mixed with smaller diyas for decoration and to highlight rangoli designs.
If you think, clay is boring, there’s more to choose from. There are lantern diyas in shimmering gold and silver and large multi-layered diyas. There are also varieties like elephant shaped studded with stones and laces and Lakshmi-Ganesha diyas. A Kesharwani, a local diya vendor, said, “ This time colours are not being used much, since people like the traditional mud colours more. So, we are keeping them blank, and a few with bright paint designs.”
Make in India encourages local potters
Until last year, the traditional earthen diyas were outdone by wax and plastic diyas available in the fancy décor shops of Raipur. People used to buy clay diyas only for puja purposes. But this year, the customary ‘mitte ka diya’ is back.
Nandkumar, from a local décor shop, said, “We used to keep wax and plastic diyas until last year, but this year the popular idea is the ‘Make in India’ concept, and it has caught up with the customers. Following this, there’s more demand for the traditional earthen diyas.” This has also revived the spirit of potters and artisans who were previously disappointed with wax candles and chinese lights replacing the traditional diyas.
In fact, these earthen diyas are available in a variety of shapes and designs and give a more desi and classical look to your house. Ranjana Singh, a housewife, said, “We prefer earthen diyas because they can be reused the following year. Also, personally I find them more attractive and traditional, closer to the Indian festival. These diyas come in a variety of designs with intricate painted ones as well and there’s a lot to choose from.” Candles and lanterns
After sprucing up their homes with Diwali cleaning, people look forward to giving a beautiful look to the exterior and interior of the house to welcome goddess Lakshmi. And what can be better than hanging a dainty lantern during the festival of lights? Though the diyas are auspicious, lanterns and candles make the festival brighter.
Alisha Varghese, a youngster, said, “I love Diwali and celebrate it with my family. For decoration, we use wax candles and lanterns.”
These kandeels are available in various shapes like stars, fireballs and balloon. This season, it’s more about Chinese handmade paper options, which have found a spot in Raipur’s fancy homes. Kavita Reddy, a business professional who is very enthusiastic about Diwali and its proceedings, said, “Apart from getting lantern style diyas from the market, I am trying DIY paper lanterns at home.” The latest, to gleam up your house this season are wax candles in various colours and shapes including aroma and ice candles priced between Rs 150 to Rs 300.
Floating diyas
Raipurites swear by the floating diyas and rangolis to decorate the main entrance. These beautiful diyas have a plastic base, which helps them float. According to the shopkeepers, the flower shaped floating diyas which look beautiful with flower petals in glass bowls are extremely popular this time. “These floating diyas are easy to carry, don’t break and there is no problem of adding oil,” said Sandhya Jain, a homemaker. While Sandhya finds them dazzling to decorate her place, there are children who are fascinated by the cartoon shaped floating diyas available in the markets. These are available for Rs 150 to Rs 500 for a set of 10.