Kashi, often regarded as one of the oldest and holiest cities in the world, is all set to celebrate Dev Diwali in a unique and eco-friendly way. This year, the city will be illuminated by “Havan Lamps” made from the dung of local cows in Gorakhpur, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s home district. This remarkable initiative not only showcases the rich cultural traditions of the region but also empowers local women and promotes sustainable, pollution-free lighting.
Dev Diwali is a special occasion celebrated in Kashi, the parliamentary constituency of India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. It is a festival that holds great spiritual and cultural significance, with the city’s ghats and temples adorned with lamps, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
The Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh has taken an innovative step to contribute to this celebration. Sangeeta Pandey, a female entrepreneur and founder of Siddhi Vinayak, a business that began with a mere Rs 1500 and has since achieved a remarkable turnover, has been tasked with producing these unique “Havan Lamps.” The initiative not only shines a light on local traditions but also empowers women through self-help groups formed under the Siddhi Vinayak Women Strength Society, making them self-reliant.
The Beauty of Local Cow Dung
One might wonder why local cow dung is chosen for making these lamps. Sangeeta Pandey explains that local cow dung is easier to shape due to its denser consistency compared to the dung of foreign cattle breeds. Currently, around 50 women from Gulriha village, located near Gorakhpur, are skillfully crafting these Havan Lamps. Each lamp is available for a modest Rs 28, and the initiative also provides additional employment opportunities for these women.
Sangeeta Pandey points out that the Havan Lamp is not only a source of pollution-free light but also leaves behind minimal waste, primarily ash, after burning. The process of creating these unique lamps involves collecting cow dung, adding fragrant incense stick essence, kneading it, and wrapping it around a bottle cut in a specific shape. After drying, the bottle is removed, and the ingredients typically used in a Havan ceremony, such as betel nut, barley, sesame, desi ghee, and Guggulu, are added before sealing it with myrrh. A bit of camphor is placed on top for easy ignition. The result is a lamp that not only emits light but also a pleasant fragrance, enriching the atmosphere during the festival.
This initiative is not just about lighting lamps but about fostering a sense of community, celebrating local traditions, and empowering women through sustainable economic opportunities. It’s a wonderful example of how innovation and tradition can come together to create something beautiful and meaningful for the community.
