Mangaluru: Differently-abled artists add a touch of colour to Deepavali festivities

Mangaluru: On Deepavali, there’s a subtle shift in consumer preference from conventional earthen clay lamps to a more colorful counterpart — diyas. These changed preferences, meanwhile, have given a new ray of hope in the lives of the differently-abled artists at Chetana Child Development Center, who are taking the ordinary clay lamps and giving them a touch of vibrancy.

As the nation readies itself for Deepavali, the Chetana Bala Vikasa Kendra on VT Road, Mangaluru, becomes a hub of creativity. Differently-abled individuals, many among them above the age of 25, are diligently painting clay lamps, offering a visually pleasing spectacle of earthy hues.

The process is a meticulous art affair. Clay lamps sourced from Mumbai are painted at the center, with each artist handling about 25 diyas daily. Some individuals work independently on their creations, while others receive assistance from staff members.

According to the organisation, the appeal of these colored lamps is gradually spreading beyond Mangaluru, garnering interest in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and Mysuru.

Aside from the Deepavali preparations, Chetana Bala Vikasa Kendra keeps the differently-abled engaged throughout the year with various activities, including screen painting, crafting paper and cloth bags, making medical store covers, decorative flowers, cloth mats, and candle making.

The articles made by the uniquely talented children are also a part of fundraising activities. This Diwali has seen an increased demand for their creatively decorated lamps, surpassing the previous year’s sales. Parents are contributing to the growing workload, and the organization’s staff and volunteers are seamlessly cooperating to meet, and often exceed, fundraising expectations, casting a subdued yet significant glow on this creative journey.

Headmistress Supritha highlights the organization’s caring approach toward its members, emphasizing the meticulous three-month preparation for decorating lamps. The demand for these specially adorned diyas extends not only within Mangaluru but also to enthusiasts outside the city, she says.