Ranchi, Oct 19, 2025: Eco-friendly cow dung diyas have become a hallmark of Jharkhand’s green Diwali, combining sustainability with rural women’s empowerment.

Key highlights of the initiative:

1. Production and Workforce

• Women from local mahila mandals craft the diyas across Ranchi district: Kanke, Arsande, Dhurwa.
• Sukurhutu Gaushala alone involves 90–100 women producing 7,000 diyas daily.
• Bulk orders received, including 3 lakh diyas from Varanasi.

2. Income Generation

• Each diya fetches ₹0.75 for the women artisans.
• Some artisans, like Basanti Devi, produce up to 400 diyas daily.
• Self-help groups also sell hand-painted diyas, packaged in sets of 11, 21, or 51, at ₹100 for 11 diyas.
• During peak festive days, members earn around ₹550 daily, with groups doing business worth ₹80,000 over 16 days.

3. Crafting Process

• Cow dung is dried, cleaned of impurities, ground into powder, shaped in moulds, and dried.
• Finished diyas sell for ₹10–15 per piece.
• Some groups add decorative value with paint, T-shaped candles, paper bags, and home decor items.

4. Government Support

• The Maiyan Samman Yojana provides each member ₹2,500 per month, ensuring financial stability and growth.

5. Social Impact

• Women, previously confined to household duties, now gain income, skills, and community engagement.
• The initiative fosters entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and environmental consciousness.

6. Cultural and Environmental Significance

• Cow dung diyas promote a green, eco-friendly Diwali, reducing pollution from conventional firecrackers.
• The initiative encourages local craftsmanship while celebrating traditional festivities sustainably.

This project demonstrates how traditional skills, combined with government support and eco-conscious ideas, can transform livelihoods and promote sustainable celebrations.