Jaunpur (Uttar Pradesh), Oct 13 : With Diwali just around the corner, women from rural self-help groups (SHGs) in Jaunpur are playing a vital role in keeping the spirit of the festival alive. They are spreading its light across the country and even overseas. Under the centrally-sponsored National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), women ' including those from the Muslim community ' are crafting vibrant, eco-friendly lamps made of clay and wax, in both traditional and tricolour designs.

This year's Diwali carries special significance, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to embrace 'Swadeshi' (Made in India) products. The lamps created by these women not only align with this vision but also reflect the resilience, creativity, and economic empowerment of rural women.

One such initiative is the 'Milki Self-Help Group', comprising ten women who work together from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday.

Most members belong to the Muslim community and include Zafrun Ejaz, Rihana, Chand Tara, Najbun, Sofia, Johri, Indu Bala, Bishakha, Subhawati, and Seema. The group leader explains that they have been engaged in this work for the past three years.

'We started with just 1,000 lamps in our first year. This year, we've already received orders for over 15,000 diyas, including from Mumbai and even abroad,' says Zafrun Ejaz, a leading member of the group.

The lamps, made without any machinery, are fully handmade, using clay, wax, and natural colours. The women buy raw clay lamps from another local SHG, helping boost the income of fellow artisans in the community.

The initial capital came from their personal savings, and later, they received financial support of Rs 1.1 lakh from the government under NRLM, which helped them scale their operations. Now, each woman earns approximately Rs 10,000 per Diwali season, contributing significantly to their household incomes.

'These are 100 per cent Swadeshi products, made by the hands of village women. There's no factory or machine involved,' Zafrun adds proudly.

The group also shared a special moment when one of Zafrun's husband's friends, who lives in America, visited them and was so impressed with the diyas that he took 50 lamps with him as samples.

'He plans to light them in the US this Diwali,' she said with a smile.

Each diya burns for about an hour to an hour and a half, and they are sold individually for Rs 15, or as a pack of 12 diyas for Rs 150 ' with an MRP of Rs 200. The packaging and design make them ideal not only for homes but also as festive gifts.

The women thanked Prime Minister Modi for promoting the Swadeshi movement, which has opened up new markets and opportunities for local products.

'We are proud to contribute to this movement. Let's use what is made in our own country,' Zafrun said.

/IANS