Rajasthan Sends 10 Lakh Cow-Dung Diyas to Mauritius for Diwali

Rajasthan has sent 10 lakh diyas made from cow dung to Mauritius for Diwali celebrations. The initiative also supports rural women and self-help groups.

Rajasthan Sends 10 Lakh Cow-Dung Diyas to Mauritius for Diwali

This Diwali, 10 lakh diyas made from cow dung in Rajasthan have been sent to Mauritius for the festival celebrations. Mauritius has a large population of people of Indian origin. Many families continue to celebrate Indian festivals, including Diwali, and follow traditions connected to their Indian roots.

The initiative is helping take traditional Indian products to an international market while creating livelihood opportunities for rural communities in Rajasthan.

More than 70 self-help groups involved

The initiative is supported by the Akhil Bharatiya Gaushala Sahyog Parishad, charitable organisations, the Organic Farmer Producer Association of India and more than 70 self-help groups (SHGs). SHGs are small groups of people who work together to earn money, support each other and improve their livelihoods.

Women and young people from Tonk, Kota, Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar, Malpura and Niwai are involved in making the diyas.

Diyas that can grow into plants

These lamps are made using cow dung instead of the clay traditionally used for diyas. Some of the diyas also contain seeds of tulsi, moringa, ashwagandha and shatavari. After use, people can place these diyas in soil or a pot. Under suitable conditions, the seeds may grow into plants. This gives the lamps another use after Diwali.

16.5 lakh diyas produced and supplied

Atul Gupta, international coordinator of the Akhil Bharatiya Gaushala Sahyog Parishad, told news agency PTI that around 16.5 lakh diyas have been produced and marketed so far. Of these, 10 lakh were sent to Mauritius, while another 6.5 lakh were supplied to 16 states across India. Around 10,000 new diyas are being made every day to meet demand.

Supporting rural women and their businesses

The initiative is also creating work opportunities for rural women. The groups make several other products using cow dung, including organic fertiliser, incense sticks, flower pots, and idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi. The main aim is to help rural women earn an income, become financially independent and build their own businesses.

The organisers want women to become entrepreneurs rather than depend only on temporary employment.

Tags