Haradhan Pal is just 20 years old, but he has already been making the annual journey to Nagpur from his hometown of Krishna Nagar in West
Bengal for six years now. Pal is one of the many people who travel each year to bring earthen lamps for sale to the city. He and the likes of him sell their wares at strategic corners of thoroughfares in the city, and people flock to them by the scores to buy 'diyas' of all shapes and sizes.
It is probably one of the most rudimentary forms of exporting one's art. People in the know will definitely be aware of the fact that earthenware and burnt earthen figurines from Krishnanagar district in West Bengal are considered some of the finest forms of folk art in the region. Indeed, the district itself is so famous for these earthen products that it has even been eulogized in folk songs as well as films songs in Bengali.
That products of this repute are available in Nagpur speaks volumes in the city's favour. "The people here are deeply cultural, and appreciate an artistic 'diya' when they see one. Besides, we try to target specific sections of the customers, and customize many of the earthen products according to the tastes of the region. That is why, you will find a lot of 'diyas' featuring small idols of Lord Ganesha," Pal explains.
Interestingly, people in the city not only buy these lamps for decoration at home, but for other purposes as well! Priya Ardak, a lecturer at Hislop College, who bought several lamps from Pal, said she intended to use them in a decoration contest at a school. "I and my colleague have been scouring several of these temporary shops for the most variety of diyas, and we have finally zeroed in on this shop. We have been seeing them come every year, and they bring the most intricately designed diyas," she says.
As if that is not all, some of these diyas are even headed towards Europe! Alberto Fasulo and his wife, who hail from Switzerland and had come to the city for some medical treatment, were also found sifting through the diyas neatly stacked on the footpath by Pal.
In India for two weeks, the Fasulos plan to go back home soon, and they have already bought several of the oil lamps to take back with them. "We intend to light these lamps at our place on the same day that Diwali is celebrated! We have known of this festival for a long time, and we are excited to be able to celebrate it," they said.