Vicky Verma
Jammu, October 7: As the festival season approaches with Karwa Chauth and Diwali around the corner, the narrow lanes of Purani Mandi in Jammu are once again glowing with the light of tradition. Amidst markets flooded with readymade and plastic goods, local women artisans continue to shape handmade clay diyas and karwas, preserving a cultural legacy that has withstood the test of time.
Among these dedicated artisans is 85-year-old Kaushalya Devi, who has been making and selling clay diyas for more than six decades. Her weathered yet skilled hands continue to mold each diya with precision and devotion. Her eyes gleam with hope and her calm smile reflects a lifetime of perseverance and faith in tradition.
Working alongside her, Bachno Devi and Raj Kumari also continue this traditional craft despite rising costs of raw materials and slowing sales this year. They remain optimistic that locals will prefer handmade products and support traditional artisans during the festive season.
Preparations for the festive rush begin nearly a month in advance. The women knead and mold clay, dry the diyas in the sun, and hand-paint them in bright, vibrant colors. For them, the craft is not just a livelihood but a heartfelt connection to their roots — a way to keep cultural heritage alive for future generations.
Locals and visitors alike acknowledge that no factory-made or plastic diya can match the warmth, authenticity, and soul of a handmade one. Even in an age of mass production, the clay diyas of Purani Mandi continue to shine — as a beacon of resilience, tradition, and the enduring spirit of Jammu’s heritage.
