Handmade Diya'S: Empowering Women Artisans

Handmade diyas are more than just clay pots. They are a work of art, a representation of light, and tradition. We'll take you on a journey to understand the significance and beauty of these endearing small lamps in this post. Handmade diyas are miniature clay lights created by talented craftspeople. They are different in size and form, yet they all have the same function they brighten our lives and decorate our homes during festive times. These exquisite items typically have an earthy, rustic appearance since they are crafted from natural clay.

Empowerment and Livelihood

Crafting diyas is more than simply a means of expressing their artistic side for countless women throughout different regions; it's a path to empowerment and independence. Through the craft of diya creation, these gifted women—many of whom come from low-income households—have been able to support their families and earn a living. By engaging in this craft, they tear down obstacles and break gender norms, demonstrating the limitless potential of creativity. In addition to putting food on the table, the money they make from creating diyas paves the path for their children to receive better healthcare and education. It is evidence of how tradition and art can act as a ray of hope, guiding these women toward empowerment and financial independence.

Preservation of Tradition

Women artisans who make handmade diyas typically originate from areas with strong cultural traditions. Their engagement in this creative pursuit goes beyond mere livelihoods; it serves as a means of safeguarding their cultural legacy and transferring the skills and knowledge to upcoming generations. These ladies take on the role of heirs to customs that have grown over many years. The cultural significance of diyas and the methods used to create them are preserved because of their craft, which serves as a living link to the past. They have contributed fresh patterns, as well as culturally and personally significant subjects to the art of making diyas. The addition of diversity to the handcrafted diyas' patterns improves the craft and shows the positive aspects of globalization. Handmade diyas, which celebrate both the old and the contemporary, are a vibrant part of our cultural history, thanks to the distinct artistic expressions of these women artists.

Different types of handmade diyas made by women artisans

Nowadays along with making the usual traditional diyas, artisans are making different types of diyas like-

• Panchmukhi diya

• Ganesh Lakshmi diya

• Gayaramukhi diya

• 21 Mukhi Diya

• Leaf-shaped diya

• Peacock shaped diya

• Swastik shaped diya

What is Panchmukhi diya?

As the name suggests Manchmukhi means five-faced diya. It is considered very auspicious to light it up during festivals. It signifies the elements Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether. It is mainly used in rituals for religious worship and prayer. It is lighted at rituals such as Aarti to ask for blessings of gods and goddesses. It is a representation of spirituality, riches, health, and knowledge. Panchmukhi Diyas are also used as decorative elements at festivals, on auspicious occasions, and in meditation practices.

What is the use of Gayaramukhi Diya?

The use of a ‘gayaramukhi’ diya is same as a manchmukhi diya, but the difference is that instead of having five diyas it has eleven diyas attached to it. So it can be used to decorate a big area like your hall or living room. They symbolize the victory of light over darkness and the removal of negativity while bringing blessings and positivity into the surroundings.

Why should you buy handmade diyas?

By buying handmade diyas you are supporting artisans who run their homes by selling these products. Look for diya sellers in your community or online marketplaces that promote handmade crafts. By doing so, you not only bring a piece of art into your home but also support the livelihood of skilled craftsmen & craftswomen. Another thing is that by choosing handmade diyas you are choosing to be a conscious buyer who is not needlessly using mass-produced goods from the market that harm the environment and are not eco-friendly. Handmade diyas are made from natural clay and are usually sun-dried or baked in a fire. There is no use of electricity,  machine, or factory resources in creating handmade diyas, even if they are artisanal diyas, they are created in a mold and given finishing touches to are by hand.

The ability to create handmade diyas has been a way for transformation in the lives of female craftsmen. It represents a kind of empowerment that goes well beyond the making of artisanal things. These indigenous women have improved their financial well-being and regained their sense of independence and self-worth because to their talent and commitment. We must acknowledge and celebrate the transformative impact these artisans have had as they continue to brighten our lives with their hand-crafted diyas. They are a living example of the enduring power of creativity and entrepreneurship in empowering women and fostering inclusive growth in our communities.