Rajasthan's initiative provides livelihoods through traditional cow dung products for Diwali

The lamps are being produced by women and young people associated with self-help groups, providing them with livelihood opportunities while promoting traditional products.

Atul Gupta, international coordinator of the Akhil Bharatiya Gaushala Sahyog Parishad, said the initiative was being undertaken in collaboration with charitable organisations, the Organic Farmer Producer Association of India and more than 70 SHGs.

Women from Tonk, Kota, Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar, Malpura and Niwai are involved in making the diyas.

So far, around 16.5 lakh diyas have been produced and marketed. With demand increasing, nearly 10,000 diyas are being made every day.

Monika Gupta, secretary of the Hahnemann Charitable Mission Society, said the initiative is aimed at providing employment to rural women and help them become financially independent.

More than 100 women associated with 10 SHGs in Tonk, Niwai, Bassi, Malpura, Bharatpur and Jaipur had produced around 16.5 lakh diyas and other cow dung-based products over the past six months.

Apart from diyas, the groups are making organic manure, incense sticks, flower pots, idols of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi, and other decorative and religious items from cow dung.

Gupta said the Parishad was providing training and technical guidance to gaushalas through its network of cow shelters.