AGARTALA, Nov 10 (TIWN): The Diwali illuminations with lighted diyas bring the supernatural brightness and joy with the hope of finding light in darkness, and spreading love amidst hatred. Some people use decorated light candles, some decorated diya or clay lamps, and other decorative lights and put them in their windows for the festival. Traditionally people use 'earthen lamps' with cotton wicks and oil to light up the dark night but as man progresses, tradition gives way to modernity with the vibrant use of Chinese lights. Today the use of earthen lamp has become a history with the dominance of the Chinese lights.However, Diwali is getting ‘hyper electrical’. And in the process, the technological advancements have diluted the charm of age-old traditions associated with this festival of lights. The twinkling of diyas (earthen lamps) has dimmed now.

The more the technology intrudes in our lives, the more it takes us away from our rich heritage and real happiness of celebrating festivals.

The fate is no different for the potter families in the Nandan nagar area of Tripura which make diyas. Their business has been badly hit due to people’s preference for electrical lights and Chinese candles. Earlier there were about 42 families engaged in the profession of making earthen lamps but with time the number has come down to 3 or 4. Few people those who still continue doing this business is only because they find it close to their hearts.

Cost efficiency is not the only factor that’s luring customers to splurge on Chinese products over indigenous ones. Chinese products are also opted because Chinese products score full marks on variety and innovation.

The art of making fine pottery is dying and most of the younger generations are not keen to take it up since it requires hard work and mostly it does not have much high income.

Now the Diwali celebrations have become contemporary in keeping with the changing times. Until a decade ago, most city households used to illuminate their houses with the warm, sparkling bright lights of earthen lamps. But now, in addition to these diyas, wax candles of various colours and forms and colored electric bulbs of different shapes and sizes are illuminated soon after dusk.

Pottery is a dying art. These days’ young people are beginning to reject pottery in favour of better earnings in other trades. Most potters don't want their children to follow in their footsteps; yet the diehard potters who love this profession don’t want to see the pottery trade come to an end. Ideally, the government should work out some scheme of promoting pottery products so that the trade doesn't die out.