Potters in Maloya prepare traditional diyas for Diwali

Potters in Maloya, an area in Chandigarh, India, are crafting clay diyas and earthenware to prepare for the Diwali festival.

These artisans use traditional methods and spinning wheels to shape items like flower pots and decorative vessels. While some families have practiced the craft for nearly a century, others joined the trade through marriage, adapting to the labor-intensive process of preparing, shaping, and drying clay.

The production process involves selecting specific types of clay based on the size of the object. Craftsmen like Pawan explain that they use softer clay for small items and firmer clay for larger pots to ensure they remain intact. After shaping, the items are left in the sun to dry faster than they would indoors.

Some artisans, such as Phoolwati, also manage the clay preparation and the firing of products in a kiln, where items face the risk of cracking during the heat process. Despite their role in the city's festive traditions, some potter families face difficulties regarding their workspace. Pawan says that around 42 families have been waiting for a designated area to continue their occupation after being moved from Sector 25.

While the craft remains a vital part of the local economy, many children of these artisans are choosing different career paths, such as banking or electricity, rather than continuing the family pottery business.