Rajasthan ships 10 lakh cow dung diyas to Mauritius for Diwali
An additional 6.5 lakh eco-friendly lamps have been supplied to 16 Indian states, according to the Hindustan Times.
Around 10 lakh eco-friendly lamps crafted from cow dung in Rajasthan have been sent to Mauritius for Diwali celebrations this year. According to the Hindustan Times, another 6.5 lakh diyas have been distributed to 16 states across India.
Atul Gupta, international coordinator of the Akhil Bharatiya Gaushala Sahyog Parishad, said the initiative involves the Organic Farmer Producer Association of India and more than 70 self-help groups (SHGs). The project provides livelihood opportunities for women and young people from areas including Tonk, Kota, Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar, Malpura and Niwai.
Gupta stated that nearly 10,000 diyas are being manufactured every day due to rising demand. He noted that women participate in various production stages, such as making and packaging the items.
Monika Gupta, secretary of the Hahnemann Charitable Mission Society, said the project aims to help rural women achieve financial independence and become entrepreneurs. She said more than 100 women from 10 SHGs in Tonk, Niwai, Bassi, Malpura, Bharatpur and Jaipur produced about 16.5 lakh diyas and other cow dung products over the last six months.
Besides diyas, the groups produce incense sticks, organic manure, flower pots, and idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh. The Parishad is providing technical guidance and training to gaushalas through its network of cow shelters.