Diwali 2015: Traditional lamp potters see profits fall as cheaper, mass produced Chinese lights undercut annual boom
The annual Indian festival of light usually means a boost for traditional potters and artisans
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Indian businessmen face falling profits this Diwali as cheaper Chinese imports undercut profits for a traditionally buoyant period.
Diwali, whose literal translation is ‘row of lighted lamps’, is a five-day festival of lights celebrated every year and one of the biggest holidays for Indians.
But while Indians previously would celebrate with earthen lamps, many are now celebrating using cheaper, imported Chinese lamps – seriously affecting the income of traditional artisans who have relied on the festival as a source of income for generations.
"We are unable to sell our goods,” potter Nomita Saha told Channel News Asia. “Our wholesale buyers say the market is down, profit is down, everything is down. What to do?"
The impact of Chinese trade with its southern neighbour has been noted by the Indian government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to transform his country into a manufacturing hub.
China is now India’s largest trading partner, increasing its exports to India by almost 10 per cent last year alone, NDTV reported.
“The policies of Chinese government are such that they lower the cost of production, whereas you know well how different the situation in India is,” Businessman Rohit Kohli added.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments