Empowering Illumination: Women Light Up Varanasi's Ghats with Eco-Friendly Diyas

Women in Varanasi are crafting eco-friendly diyas from cow dung for Dev Deepavali, thanks to an initiative supported by the Yogi government. This project, involving self-help groups, significantly boosts their income and empowers them economically, while also promoting sustainable practices in the community.

In a groundbreaking initiative, women from self-help groups in Varanasi are preparing to illuminate the city's ghats for Dev Deepavali with eco-friendly diyas made from cow dung. The event is set for November 15.

Currently, 25 families across seven groups are hard at work, aiming to produce 30,000 lamps, a noted increase from previous years. This has raised their income significantly, with earnings jumping from Rs 400-500 to Rs 4,000-5,000, according to a statement by the Uttar Pradesh government.

This initiative, launched under the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission, has empowered women in the region, offering them steady pre-orders and relieving them from door-to-door sales pursuits. The eco-conscious project not only uplifts individuals but also benefits their families, marking a shift towards sustainable employment and empowerment of women.

(With inputs from agencies.)