Prajapatis busy making clay lamps

BHAKTAPUR, Oct 19: The Prajapati community of Bhaktapur is busy making palcha or clay lamps for Tihar.

Sumita Prajapati of Livali, Bhaktapur, said that many people of their community make clay lamps during the festival season only. As the demand for clay lamps increases manifold during Tihar, the entire family is seen making clay lamps these days.

“I work in a different sector. But even people like me make clay lamps for Tihar,” Sumita said. “We generally start making clay lamps one month before the Tihar festival.”
A single potter makes 200 to 300 clay lamps in a day. A single family with two or three members can make around 1,000 such lamps in a single day. 

Bhaktapur, the smallest district of the country, is also famous for clay pots. Pottery is the family occupation of Prajapati community. However, only a few of them are taking pottery as a profession these days.

Kanchha Prajapati of Bhaktapur said that most of the potters in Pottery Square and Suryamadhi are continuing their age-old profession.

The Pottery Square of Bhaktapur is popular among tourists. Almost all the tourists visiting Bhaktapur reach the Pottery Square to try their hands in pottery or by clay pots as souvenirs. Potters can also be found in Livali, Chapacho, Digu, Kumanani, Nasanani, Tulanuni and Pacho, among others.

According to Ram Krishna Prajapati of Madhyapur Thimi, most of the potters sell their clay lamps and pots to wholesalers and retailers based in Kathmandu. “Our products also reach to markets in Pokhara, Dolakha and other districts,” he added.

A baked clay pot costs Rs 1, while unbaked ones sell for 50 paisa each.