Advertisement
Gorakhpur: In the quaint villages of Gorakhpur, traditional terracotta artisans are experiencing a resurgence in their centuries-old craft, thanks to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s visionary ‘one district one product’ scheme. The terracotta industry, which had struggled amidst fierce competition and the challenges posed by the pandemic, has found new life in recent years.
As Diwali approaches, these skilled craftsmen are bustling with activity, catering to buyers from all corners of the country. The demand for exquisitely designed earthen lamps, five-faced Ganesha idols, hanging bells, and an array of animals and plates has never been higher. Villagers, once plagued by dwindling orders, are now witnessing a flourishing business, with buyers flocking in from Hyderabad, Gujarat, Bangalore, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam.
Rajan Prajapati, a dedicated terracotta artisan, shared his success story, revealing that he had received an overwhelming number of orders from various states. So prolific was the demand that he had to halt new orders, having already dispatched 21 trucks filled with terracotta decorative items.
Similarly, Laxmi Chand Prajapati, the president of a self-help group, joyfully reported a 25% surge in business over the past two years. According to him, the present scenario is a far cry from the past, as buyers are abundant and markets are flourishing.
Hari Om Azad, the president of the Adarsh Terracotta Artisan Group, expressed heartfelt gratitude to CM Yogi Adityanath for rescuing the terracotta craft. He revealed that artisans were in high demand, engaged not only in crafting lamps for Dev Diwali in Kashi but also illuminating Ayodhya with their exquisite creations.
The revival of this traditional art form stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of craftsmanship in Gorakhpur, echoing the cultural heritage of the region.
