Vrindavan, 2017.10.16 (VT): Diwali is one of the most important festivals in Vrindavan, just as it is for Hindus the world over. The whole town is in high gear preparing for the sacred festival of lights.
For many Brajwasis, preparing for Diwali means deep-cleaning and repairing ones home. Houses are cleaned from top to bottom and walls get a fresh coat of paint. As the houses become clean, dust and debris are shifted to the streets. Whether the municipality will properly engage in its side of the Diwali cleaning remains to be seen.
The pre-Diwali period is also an important shopping season for Brajwasis. The local people purchase items for pooja as well as personal items and home goods like appliances, which tend to go on sale in the holiday season. The jewellery business is also expected to make a Diwali comeback after a long lull caused by demonitization and GST.
The potters of Vrindavan are especially busy this week, making thousands upon thousands of clay lamps. It is estimated that a single potter may sell more than twenty-five thousand lamps in the lead-up to Diwali. Temporary Lakshmi and Ganesh murtis made of clay are also sold in large numbers, as well as hathri, the small clay houses used in Diwali pooja.
The State government is doing its part to promote local artisans, with Yogi Adityanath attempting a world record for the most clay lamps lit at a Diwali function in Ayodhya. The government is reportedly planning special Diwali decorations for Vrindavan as well, which are likely to feature natural, locally-made lamps.
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