Varanasi: Among many initiatives launched by chief minister Yogi Adityanath to empower women in the state, fostering economic independence and boosting their self-esteem, the success story of women self-help groups in Varanasi, producing cow dung diyas, will be evident at the ghats along the Ganga on the occasion of Dev Deepawali on Nov 15.
Among millions of diyas (earthen lamps) that will illuminate the ghats along the Ganga on the occasion of Dev Deepawali, around 30,000 diyas made of cow dung will come from women SHGs.
Through the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission, the Yogi govt has created new pathways for women associated with these SHGs. According to a govt press release, currently, 25 families from seven self-help groups are focused on producing 30,000 such diyas. Previously, these women earned around Rs 400-500 for Dev Deepawali, but now, through this initiative, they are making Rs 4,000-5,000.
The women now receive large orders in advance, a shift from earlier days when they had to sell lamps door-to-door.
Radhika from Aharak village thanked the Yogi govt's support, saying that she no longer has to go door-to-door and instead secures pre-orders, significantly boosting her income. This newfound self-reliance is not only uplifting these women but also benefiting their families directly.
Women involved in this mission are now earning higher incomes by producing and selling eco-friendly diyas made from cow dung, providing them with a sustainable, environmentally conscious source of income.
On Nov 15, Dev Deepawali celebrations in Kashi will light up the ghats with 1.2 million diyas, including those crafted from cow dung. Women's participation in this initiative is a testament to how, when given the right opportunities, they can drive meaningful social change. Thanks to these efforts, women are not only achieving financial independence but also making a distinct impact on society.