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Diwali Shift to LED Lights Hits Clay Lamp Makers in Kekri, Rajasthan
✍️ Amar Ujala · Ajmer
🗓 06 Nov 2026, 03:31 PM
👁 14
As Diwali approaches, demand for decorative electric lights in Kekri is rising, leaving traditional clay lamp makers facing a sharp drop in sales.
The market in Kekri, a town in Ajmer district of Rajasthan, is witnessing a rapid shift as consumers prepare for Diwali. While colourful electric lamps and LED decorations are flooding local shops, the age‑old tradition of buying earthen diyas is fading.
Local potters, who have crafted clay lamps for generations, report that orders have dwindled sharply compared with the same period last year. Many workshops that once produced dozens of diyas daily now see only a fraction of that output, forcing artisans to cut back on production.
The decline is affecting livelihoods; several families depend on the seasonal surge in diya sales for a significant portion of their annual income. Potters say they are exploring alternatives, such as diversifying into decorative pottery or seeking government assistance, but immediate relief remains limited.
Industry observers note that the broader trend reflects changing consumer preferences for brighter, reusable lighting solutions, a pattern that could reshape traditional crafts across the region if not addressed promptly.
Local potters, who have crafted clay lamps for generations, report that orders have dwindled sharply compared with the same period last year. Many workshops that once produced dozens of diyas daily now see only a fraction of that output, forcing artisans to cut back on production.
The decline is affecting livelihoods; several families depend on the seasonal surge in diya sales for a significant portion of their annual income. Potters say they are exploring alternatives, such as diversifying into decorative pottery or seeking government assistance, but immediate relief remains limited.
Industry observers note that the broader trend reflects changing consumer preferences for brighter, reusable lighting solutions, a pattern that could reshape traditional crafts across the region if not addressed promptly.