Assam: 100-year-old craftswoman in Bajali keeps Diwali tradition alive
Bajali: In the quaint village of Denatari-Rajaghat, nestled in the heart of Assam's Bajali district, the spirit of Diwali is alive and well. Among the many skilled artisans, one woman stands out: Kunti Paul, a centenarian who continues to shape the festival's traditions with her hands.
For generations, the villagers of Denatari have earned their livelihood by crafting clay items, including the iconic Diwali lamps, or diyas.
This year, as the festival approaches, the village is bustling with activity. From dawn to dusk, families work together, transforming raw clay into beautiful, handcrafted lamps.
Paul, a living testament to the village's dedication to this age-old craft, is a master of her trade. She, along with other villagers, diligently shapes each diya, ensuring that the tradition continues.
The women, in particular, are skilled in using a simple yet ingenious tool: a ball bearing fitted into a piece of wood, which they use to spin the clay and create intricate designs.
The clay used for these diyas, known as "Hira Mati," is sourced from Guwahati. The villagers carefully prepare the clay, transforming it into a semi-solid state before shaping it into various forms.
As the festival draws near, the demand for these handmade diyas soars, with a bag of 1,000 lamps fetching between Rs. 500 and Rs. 650.
The dedication of the villagers to this traditional craft is not just about earning a livelihood; it's about preserving a cultural heritage.
Each diya they create is a symbol of their connection to the past and a beacon of hope for the future. As the festival of lights illuminates the night sky, the artisans of Denatari continue to shine, keeping the tradition alive, one diya at a time.