Rural women earn income selling earthen lamps for Deepawali

Dozens of women travel from rural villages into urban areas every year to sell handcrafted earthen lamps during the Deepawali festival. These traditional items are brought to markets like Rajbiraj Bazaar, where they are purchased to illuminate homes and courtyards. Despite the widespread availability of modern electric lights, traditional clay lamps remain popular for seasonal celebrations across the region. The sale of these handmade products provides a vital stream of additional revenue for rural households. According to participants in the seasonal trade, the money earned from selling the clay items directly assists women in managing their everyday household expenses. This seasonal commerce offers an important economic opportunity for female residents living outside major urban centers. Makers of the clay items come from various surrounding locations, including Pathargadha, Kochabakhari, Lalapatti, and Koiladi Basain, to offer their goods in Saptari. The tradition continues to sustain local artisans and bring financial support to families. Through their craftsmanship, the participating women ensure that traditional festive practices endure while simultaneously improving their personal financial standing.