SHGs, migrants to sell 5L diyas

Prayagraj: As traders associated with Prayag Vyapaar Mandal continue to boycott Chinese lights and other decorative products in the run up to Diwali, around 1,500 women of several self-help groups, along with migrant families in rural pockets of the Sangam city, will prepare 5 lakh designer diyas and idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi from cow dung and soil.
These diyas and idols will be sold in markets and makeshift stalls set up in several areas of the city. Around one lakh diyas made of cow dung and four lakh diyas made of soil will be prepared. As many as 100 women will be imparted training in shaping designer diyas and idols from cow dung in Karchana and Baharia blocks of Prayagraj district from Tuesday. National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) district mission manager Sharad Kumar Singh told TOI, “Over 1,000 women associated with SHGs and migrant families have been engaged. In the first phase, around 100 women will be trained, and we will extend the training programme to other blocks from Tuesday onwards.”
District manager (skill & job) Amit Shukla said, “Under NRLM, we have chalked out an elaborate plan to prepare traditional and designer diyas and idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi. Diyas and idols using cow dung will be made in Bahaira and Karchana, while those of soil will be made in Phulpur, Baharia, Khukla, Jasra and Chaka blocks.”
The state Gau Seva Ayog has also contacted them for supply of diyas and idols. “Initially, we had planned to prepare five lakh diyas (one lakh from cow dung and four lakh from soil). But now, we are ready to prepare more if we get more orders,” he added. Meanwhile, Vijay Arora, president of Prayag Vyapaar Mandal, told TOI, “We have decided to promote only indigenous products for the forthcoming festivals. Only country-made lights and indigenous decorative items will be sold in the markets of Prayagraj and neighbouring districts.”
Traders part of Prayag Vyapaar Mandal have already announced to sell only indigenous decorative items and have placed orders to the SHGs, district authorities are also gearing up to set up their stalls across the city, including Vikas Bhawan.