Bhubaneswar\Ganjam, Oct 16: With Diwali just days away, potters across Odisha are in full swing, racing against time to meet the festive demand.

Potter families across Kanheipur, Kairasi, and Dimiria villages in Ganjam's Khallikote block are working tirelessly to meet the festive demand.

These artisans, many of whom have inherited the craft through generations, are putting in long hours to ensure their creations reach the market in time for the celebrations.

With only three days left, potters are busy shaping, colouring, and styling a variety of traditional lamps.

Diwali is the festivals of lights and we celebrate it with vibrant decorations, earthen lamps, new clothes, and much more. Traditionally, earthen lamps have been the heart of this celebration, illuminating homes with their warm, flickering glow. However, with the rise of modern lighting alternatives, the use of these traditional lamps is steadily declining. As a result, the age-old craft of pottery—passed down through generations—is now at risk of fading into obscurity.

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Meanwhile, confusion looms over the official date of Diwali this year—whether it falls on October 20th or 21st. A disagreement has emerged between the Mukti Mandap committee and astrologers. While Mukti Mandap has declared October 20th as the day of celebration and requested the government to declare it a holiday, astrologers argue that Diwali should be observed on October 21st.

To resolve the dilemma surrounding Diwali Amavasya, the Mukti Mandap committee held a meeting. Acting president of the Pandit committee, Aditya Hrudaya Mishra, along with some senior members, recommended performing the traditional 'Paya Shraddha' on October 20th. However, astrology scholar Harishankar Mishra maintains that the festival should be celebrated on October 21st.

As the debate continues, communities prepare to celebrate Diwali with devotion—regardless of the date.

(The article is compiled by Krishna Hota)