Potters look for govt. impetus in the form of welfare schemes

Karthigai Deepam preparations in Dindigul pottery units showcase traditional artistry and new designs for upcoming festival.

With Karthigai Deepam round the corner, pottery units in Dindigul are a hive of activity. The potters’ wheels in these units are slowly humming as artistic hands gently give shape to lamps in various shapes and sizes. In a day or so, women will be selling these lamps in various streets in Dindigul.

 Changing times call for change in designs and shapes and the potters are ready with new attractive designs this year. 

Right from earthen lamps being carried by majestic elephants to lamps on decorated earthen trays, there is a lamp for every house this year. “The allure of earthen lamps has not decreased on the other hand it has only increased in recent years,” says G. Gajendran who has an unit at Nochiodaipatti in Dindigul district. Though many say that Chinese lamps are flooding the market, he says that it will be difficult to capture this market. Even before the season has truly begun, he has already sent numerous bulk orders to various States and adds that from there these are also being exported by the agents.

For potters in the district, the government’s announcement for lifting alluvial soil from ‘kanmois’ and other waterbodies has come as a blessing. Many of them have already started lifting the soil.

Kalaiselvan, who owns a handicraft shop, on Dindigul to Natham road says that right from ₹2 to ₹500 we have lamps of various sizes. “Pottery is an art form that needs to be encouraged. Though the government is taking a lot of efforts to propagate pottery, unfortunately the young generation is not coming forward to take it up as an occupation,” he adds.

Gajendran, a Poompuhar State awardee, opens his unit during lean season for those interested to come and learn pottery. He says many come to learn the art but only few remain to make it their occupation.

What is needed is more government impetus in the form of welfare schemes for potters and also for the numerous workers who are indirectly associated with these units, like the women who are now busy painting the lamps with silver and gold so that it shines more bright on Karthigai Deepam day.