DARKNESS OF THE LIGHTMAKERS FROM DHUPGURI

By Supriyo Basak

There is a deep darkness under the lamp. Or else it can be said that under the darkness there is the celebration of Lights i.e. Dipabali. Yes, it’s the people who work day and night for the festival of lights stays behind the lights in Dipabali. This is the picture is seen everywhere and Dhupguri is also no exception. The place is known as Thakurpat area under Dhupguri. It can be seen that people from all age groups i.e. old, middle aged and even the minor girls are working hard to make the earthen lamps for the dipabali utsav. If you ask Hiralal Pal, Siddhi Charan Pal, Renubala Pal and others they will say that they are working for the last 5-6 months for this Dipabali but this work is no more serving their families livelihood. No grants are provided from the Government and any other Social & Welfare Organization. However, they are still attached to their ancestral culture of lamp making. Now the situation is that even the ‘Dadon’ or Local Loans from the Mahajans are also not available, No pre-orders are coming, the average earthen lamp prices have not risen and lastly the raw material cost has increased manifold. The income has decreased like anything. Among the potters, Siddhi Charan Pal says if they make 1000 lamps they get a meager amount of Rs. 200/- only, in addition, there are breakage losses due to transportation. One of the interesting things it is learned that most of the potters in this place are being included in APL category and thus they are deprived of any of Government allowances. According to Hiralal Pal, another potter from the place expressed displeasure of joining any other profession like laborers or something fearing loss of dignity. Renubala Pal also expressed dissatisfaction with the role of the media because many articles are published and their situation is getting worsened day in and day out. One thing is clear that though their economic conditions are worsening yet they are still attached to the Indian culture and the almighty knows till how many years!!!!

Photo: Supriyo Basak (TNI)
Translation: R. Subrata (TNI Siliguri)