Source

KOLKATA, INDIA, November 4, 2004: Chinese lamps have taken over the market of traditional Deepavali diyas (oil lamps) and candles in Kolkata. These “Made in China” bulbs are cheaper compared to the indigenous lights, and they are also available in a wide variety of designs like grapes, flowers and rice that give a psychedelic effect. This is affecting local artisans who are getting unemployed as they cannot cater to the customer’s demand of new items. The Chinese lamps have a dazzling effect to mesmerize the customers. Unlike traditional diyas and candles, these lights last much longer. “The Chinese lamps are selling well because they are cheaper and have varieties. The local items have almost stopped selling,” said Mohammad Salaam, a lamp seller. Now, customers are also demanding Chinese lights with a variety of symbols available in lights like Om, Ganesha, Star, Diya and Swastik. People are fascinated by the new look and prefer it to the traditional lamps, which are difficult to maintain. “The designs of the Chinese lamps are very good, one is better than the other one and suits the ambience of my house. I like the lamps of the grapes and rice design the most. It looks good and is much cheaper,” said Rehan Kamar, a customer. Customers are thrilled that these lights are reusable. “Traditional lamps and candles are very expensive and do not work fora very long time and on top of that it is not reusable. The Chinese lamp works longer, is reusable and is also much cheaper,” said Asish Mukherjee, a Chinese lamp distributor.

Post Views: 593