Tradition over modernity

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Darkness will have to find a new address as thousands of diyas will spread joy and light on Diwali.
Diyas over the years have undergone tremendous change, wax replaced oil and foils are much lighter in comparison to earthern diyas, but what’s surprising is that earthern diyas are still charming. And many in the city are abandoning shortlived Chinese shimmer and buying diyas made by potters.
Munazir Husain, who is selling diyas at Amar Colony, has displayed both earthern as well as ready to be lit wax diyas along with designer mirror work and zari embellished diyas. He says, “The price varies for both, while earthern diyas are being sold at Rs. 15 per dozen, those with wax are priced at Rs. 110, a dozen. My average sale per day has been Rs. 350, value wise, both do very well. From today, I hope to sell even more as Diwali is on Friday.”
It is a case of traditional vs modern. While the older generation may not understand how youngsters battle the paucity of time, they can’t bring themselves to light wax diyas. Says Shobha Dixit, a homemaker, who prefers earthern diyas, “Ever since I was a little girl, I remember helping my mother soak earthern diyas and later taking them out to dry in the sun. In the evenings, we’d put a wick and mustard oil in the diyas. I do this with my son every Diwali. I want to continue this tradition till I am alive.”
Agrees Feroze Gujral, former model, who is looking forward to Diwali with family and friends. “Diwali is very traditional for us complete with children wearing ethnic dresses. I always buy earthern diyas and don’t like the wax ones.”
However, for some time also plays an important factor in the choice of diyas. As Nasru, a diya seller at Green Park market puts it, “People who are busy prefer buying wax diyas as it saves time and also doesn’t compromise on celebrations. But for those who like to celebrate Diwali the traditional way, go for earthern diyas. I was happy to see a few youngsters purchase earthern diyas the other day.”
Manju Vaish likes shopping with her husband at a posh south Delhi market. She shares, “I can’t do without earthern diyas for pujas. Chinese and other fancy diyas will never be as endearing and meaningful as earthern diyas. However, earthern diyas need to be refilled and taken extra care of incase they spill. So for me it’s a mix of both tradition and modern at home.”
According to Renu Saxena, an advertising professional, the reason why earthen diyas are losing out to the made in China ones is because of the practicality factor. “Unlike earlier, our Diwali celebrations now go on for longer as I don’t have to constantly check the oil. Though I do end up buying shiny candles and glass diyas for Diwali, we do make sure to have at least a handful of earthen diyas in the house. Even if there is one in each room and also on the puja thali, we would like to keep this tradition alive.”

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