Denatari Village Diwali Tradition
This is an adoption of an article written by Sasanka Talukdar for Assam Tribune “Ahead of Diwali, this village in Bajali crafts livelihoods one lamp at a time” a story on the traditions of Denatari Village Assam. The link to the original article is share at the end.
Every year, as the days grow shorter and the festive season approaches, the quaint village of Denatari, nestled in Assam’s Bajali district, flickers to life with a palpable sense of anticipation. This is no ordinary pre-Diwali bustle, though; for the 150-odd families who call this place home, it’s the busiest—and perhaps most rewarding—time of the year. You see, Denatari isn’t your typical village. It’s a place where the very soil seems to be imbued with the magic of tradition. Here, crafting clay items, particularly flower tubs and lamps, isn’t just an activity—it’s an art form that’s been passed down through generations.
Take Kunti Pall, for example. At the ripe age of 100, she’s seen more Diwalis than most of us could count, and yet there she is, day in and day out, moulding clay with hands that have shaped thousands of earthen lamps over the years. “From dawn to dusk, we work together,” she says, her eyes twinkling with the wisdom of her craft. For Kunti and the others, it’s not just about making a living—though, of course, that’s crucial—it’s about keeping alive a tradition that connects them to their ancestors.
As the big day draws closer, families gather around their kilns, transforming heaps of clay into delicate lamps, their flickering flames casting long shadows over the village. Each day brings a flurry of activity—sun-drying the lamps, preparing them for the kilns, and finally getting ready for market day. These humble yet beautifully crafted lamps will soon light up homes far and wide, from Nalbari to Tezpur, and even as far as Dhemaji and Nagaon.
But like most good things, this age-old tradition isn’t without its challenges. Gopal Pall, a lifelong resident, has been part of this craft since he was knee-high to a grasshopper. “It’s hard graft, no two ways about it,” he admits. “We’ve not had any help from the government in terms of machinery or technology. It’s all human labour, and you can only do so much with your hands.” One can’t help but wonder why, in this day and age, these skilled artisans haven’t received a bit of a leg up. After all, with the right tools, imagine the wonders they could achieve!
Yet, despite the absence of modern machinery, the villagers of Denatari refuse to let their spirits be dampened. Every day, you’ll find them hard at work, drying the lamps under the sun, sharing a laugh or two, and gearing up for the market. “A bag of 1,000 lamps goes for around Rs. 500 to Rs. 650, depending on demand,” Gopal explains, with a hint of pride in his voice.
It’s a modest income, but the true value of this craft lies in something much deeper. Each lamp represents not just the village’s contribution to Diwali festivities but also the continuity of a tradition that’s as old as time. For the people of Denatari, it’s more than just business; it’s a legacy, a way of life that brings together the past, present, and future in one glowing, flickering dance.
So, as Diwali approaches and the world gears up to light their homes, think of the hands that have worked tirelessly to craft these earthen lamps—hands like Kunti’s and Gopal’s, which shape more than just clay; they shape a community’s spirit.
To Read the original article click HERE.
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