Tihar’s electric glow threatens Bhaktapur’s clay-lamp tradition
Summary
Electric lights are replacing traditional clay oil lamps during Tihar, causing demand to fall for Bhaktapur’s potters and putting their ancestral craft at risk. Some Prajapati families are now considering leaving the trade as festive buying habits change.
Key Points
- Demand for traditional clay oil lamps has declined as households increasingly use electric lights for Tihar decorations.
- Potters from Bhaktapur’s Prajapati community say the drop in sales is threatening their ancestral occupation.
- Sajan Prajapati says the business was far busier 10 years ago, when around 100 families were making clay lamps.
- Some potters are now considering switching to other jobs as festive traditions change.
