The diyas made in this Upper Assam district are being outshined in the market by those from Bangla-desh and artificial lights from China.

Local diya-makers like Chandan Pandit, 24, fourth generation of his family to be associated with the business, have been busy making the earthen lamps ahead of Diwali.

However, the local pottery industry is facing a crisis because Chinese artificial lights and diyas from Bangladesh have captured the market because of low prices. The Bangladeshi ones are 50 per cent cheaper.

“We are having a tough time because of heavy penetration of Bangladeshi diyas in the market. These come to India through Dhubri and have captured the market for the last five years. The Chinese artificial lights have also proliferated,” Chandan said.

Chandan, who is studying BCom under Veer Kunwar Singh University of Bihar, helps his family during Diwali.

“Our whole family has been associated with the business because during the festival we have to make diyas according to the demand. Earlier, the business was good but, nowadays, the penetration of cheap Chinese products and diyas from outside poses a challenge to us,” he added.

Rajbanti Devi, 52, Chandan’s mother, has been working to give finishing touches to some earthen diyas.

“We have been in this business for many years but have not received any aid from the government. The ward commissioner assured us that we would be provided an electric wheel through a government scheme but we have got nothing. Our children are educated but they still have to engage in the family business,” she said.

The rising prices of mustard oil and ghee, which are used to light the earthen diyas, are also adding to their woes.

“Last year, we did brisk business because people came to us for local diyas. This time we are hoping for good business,” she added.

Manoj Pandey, a customer, said, “Every year, I buy diyas from the Pandits because their diyas are good compared to others. We should decorate our house with traditional diyas instead of cheap Chinese products.”