Ahead of Tihar and Chhath, reports describe opposite trends for traditional clay and bamboo goods in two parts of Nepal.
In Bhaktapur, potters say demand for clay diyas has fallen over the past decade as electric lights from India and elsewhere took their place, Ratopati reported. Sajan Prajapati, who has made pottery for 20 years, told the outlet his may be the last generation in the trade, and some have moved to other businesses.
In Rajbiraj, Saptari, trade in clay lamps, ritual pots and bamboo goods such as koniya, nanglo and dhaki has risen since Dashain, according to reports in Gorkhapatra, Nagarik, Kendrabindu and Khabarhub. Trader Buchanidevi Sah said her usual trade of about Rs 1,000 a day doubles between Dashain and Tihar. A resident said the goods are needed for every festival in Madhesh, and Mayor Israt Parween said buying from the Kumal and Marik (Dom) communities who make them keeps money within the district.
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Potters in Bhaktapur say electric lights have cut demand for clay diyas, Ratopati reported, while a trader in Rajbiraj says sales of clay and bamboo festival goods double in the run-up to Tihar.
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