TFP Bureau Raipur/Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi, October 15, 2025: In a heartening example of women’s empowerment and local entrepreneurship, members of self-help groups in Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district have turned the festive season into an opportunity for progress. Supported by the District Administration and the Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission, twelve women from five self-help groups have successfully produced and sold more than 70,000 traditional earthen diyas, along with incense sticks, cotton wicks, and decorative torans for Diwali, achieving total sales worth ₹1.11 lakh.
The women have been marketing their products across local bazaars in Kotmi, Navagaon, and Kodgar, and their vibrant handcrafted diyas have also found a market at the Saras Mela in Raipur, where they drew appreciation from buyers for their artistic quality and affordability.
Mrs. Kranti Puri, a member of one of the participating self-help groups from Jhabar village, shared her experience, saying, “This year’s Diwali is truly special for us. Our work has brought happiness and financial independence. I earned a profit of nearly ₹9,000, which has boosted my confidence and supported my family’s needs.”
According to Block Mission Manager Ms. Mandakini Kosaria, the initiative has directly benefited the families of all five women’s groups involved, strengthening their financial stability and promoting local employment. She added that such efforts are not only empowering women but also aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) by encouraging sustainable, community-based livelihoods.
Beyond its economic impact, the initiative is also promoting the use of eco-friendly and traditional lighting options. The rising demand for earthen diyas over chemical-based alternatives is helping revive traditional pottery skills and reduce environmental pollution during the festival season.
Through their determination and creativity, these women have proven that empowerment begins at the grassroots. Their Diwali diyas now illuminate not just homes across the district but also the path toward economic self-reliance, sustainability, and cultural pride.
