States » NorthPosted at: Oct 29 2026 2:33PM


UP: Deepotsav lights up livelihoods for women in Barabanki, Ayodhya

Lucknow, Oct 29 (UNI) More than 25 women in Barabanki and Ayodhya are making 1.60 lakh earthen lamps worth Rs 12.8 lakh ahead of Deepotsav 2026, creating rural employment while supporting Uttar Pradesh's tourism drive and preserving traditional village crafts.
The production involves women from Kajiyapur and the Bhaghar Jheel rural tourism village in Barabanki, along with Gyaspur in Ayodhya. At Rs 8 per lamp, the work provides an additional earning opportunity for women who have received pottery training under rural development initiatives.
Their participation brings a village production link into the Deepotsav economy. Spending on the celebrations is reaching artisans whose skills supply one of the festival's essential products, extending tourism's livelihood benefits to rural households.
"We are connecting rural arts, traditions and local products with tourism to create employment opportunities and strengthen the village economy. The diya initiative for Deepotsav 2026 gives women an opportunity to use their pottery skills for a major cultural event and take their work to a wider market," state Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said.
For participants Sundara, Savidhi and Meena, the work is helping them contribute to family incomes. Rajeshwari, Veermati and Reena said such opportunities give their skills recognition, adding that access to markets is important for keeping pottery traditions alive.
The tenth Deepotsav, scheduled for November 7, is expected to illuminate Ayodhya with more than 30 lakh lamps. The women's contribution connects that spectacle with the craft skills and household livelihoods behind its preparations.
"Rural tourism becomes meaningful when village traditions and local skills provide a strong foundation for livelihoods. Our aim is to connect Uttar Pradesh's cultural heritage with markets and create earning opportunities for local communities," said Amrit Abhijat, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs.
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