Diwali last year saw a beautiful movement when #PottersKiDiwali trended on Twitter as people pledged to support local artisans and bought earthen lamps. Keeping the spirit alive, here’s the story of another talented kumhar or potter who has been trending on the internet.
As per a report in TOI, a Chhattisgarh potter named Ashok Chakradhari has designed an innovative ‘magic’ lamp on the occasion of Diwali. This traditional earthen lamp is special because the flow of oil is circulated automatically. It boasts of a good capacity as it can stay lit up to 24-40 hours.
Chhattisgarh: Ashok Chakradhari, a potter in Kondagaon, has designed an earthen lamp in which flow of oil is circulated automatically.
He says, "I learnt making this lamp watching several techniques online. I've received a good number of orders for making more such lamps." pic.twitter.com/oIfwmSu1qA
— ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2020
Chakradhari is based in Bastar district’s Kondagaon village. He said, “I am always on the lookout for new ideas that can challenge my pottery skills, and be a useful innovation for those around me. In 2019, before Diwali, I was looking for a new design to sculpt diyas. That is when I stumbled upon a lamp that carries a reservoir of oil over it and keeps refilling the base to ensure the diya does not stop burning. I found it interesting and decided to make that.”
The 62-year old continued, “I learned making this lamp watching several techniques online. “It took me five or six tries to get the design right, but within one week I succeeded. I’ve received a good number of orders for making more such lamps.”
The lamp has a dome-like structure that acts as the reservoir for the oil. There is also diya attached at the base which holds the oil once it pours out from the dome’s spout. It also has a handle attached at the back.
What do you think of Ashok’s brilliant innovation? Tell us!
You can find him on Facebook here.