VARANASI, Nov. 4 -- Over 400 potters from nine villages in Varanasi have prepared diyas to illuminate ghats on the occasion of Dev Deepawali on November 5. According to a press communique, Saurabh Singh of SAARC Multimedia, which supplies the diyas, said that over 400 potters from nine villages in Varanasi, namely Hariharpur, Gahni, Jaiparaudi, Palaipatti, Rasulpur, Murdaha, Raja Talab, Shivpur, and Palia Prayagraj have prepared diyas. Approximately eight to nine families from each village are making diyas for Dev Deepawali. As many as 10 lakh diyas will be lit simultaneously for three to four hours. According to officials, approximately 25,000 to 30,000 litres of oil and two million wicks are required to light these diyas. Together, all the diyas will illuminate the ghats, ponds, and lakes for approximately three to four hours. Potter Monu Prajapati said that during Diwali and Dev Deepawali, potter families used to earn around 4,000 to 5,000 rupees. Now, this income has increased to around Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000. This has not only improved their financial condition but also given new life to traditional art and culture. Moolchand Prajapati thanked the government for schemes and incentives that has provided the community consistent work. They receive orders to make diyas, kulhars, and other clay items year-round. Deepak Prajapati said that the government has transformed Dev Deepawali into a grand celebration. The radiance of this festival has now reached the homes of small potters like us. Its little light has brightened our lives as well. We get ample work, which has increased our income and brought happiness back to our homes. Vikram Upadhyay, a diya wick maker, said that with the government ordering millions of diyas, many families have engaged with this work....