Diwali Special - Readymade Lanterns Diminish Splendour of Traditional Art

Inchara Udupi
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NM)

Udupi, Nov 12: Gone are the days when traditionally made lanterns were put up in houses to mark the festive occasion of Diwali. Today, people choose lanterns of modern designs which are readymade.
 
Advancement in technology and busy lifestyle are always blamed for any deviation from the traditional. The tight schedule has made people to opt for the readymade lanterns which are easily available.

There were days when lanterns were made of bamboo sticks and colour papers. However, it’s different now. Come Diwali, and shops are usually crowded with people buying readymade lanterns.

Consequently, the younger generation has not learnt the art of making lanterns from cloth and colour papers. Earlier, members of the family, big and small, came together to make lanterns, and this in itself was a big celebration.

Preparations would start a fortnight before the festival. Bamboo sticks were brought, and strands of colourful thread and glue made of flour were kept ready. After the initial shaping of the 'goodu deepa' in a variety of styles, colour papers were pasted on to the bamboo sticks. Sometimes, a lighted lamp was kept inside to enhance its beauty. The lanterns then adorned the front side of the house.

The preparation of lanterns and the excitement surrounding the process are only a nostalgia in most households now. Today, readymade lanterns made of plastic, fiber and camphor are seen everywhere. Electric bulb has replaced the traditional lamp used inside the lanterns.

The art of making traditional lanterns has diminished with modern ways of celebrating festivals. Goodu deepa is just one of the examples of how traditional practices are dying with time.

It has also meant that those skilled in making traditional lanterns too are scant in number now, though in rural areas, thankfully, one can still find the tradition being continued and Diwali being celebrated in its true essence.