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In MP’s Sanodha village, artisans like potters, gardeners, Pauni, and Sen deliver Diwali items such as diyas and leaves, receiving gifts like wheat and sweets in return
The people of Sanodha village in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district are still keeping the tradition of their ancestors alive. (Local18)
It is commonly believed that when Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile during the Treta Yuga, people celebrated Diwali with great pomp. Every doorway was decorated with rangoli and lit with lamps, while every artisan played a role in the festival preparations.
A glimpse of this unique tradition can still be seen in some villages of Bundelkhand, where even in the modern age, the festival of Diwali is celebrated as per age-old traditions. The people of Sanodha village in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district are still keeping the traditions of their ancestors alive.
Artisans, such as potters, gardeners, Pauni (cotton suppliers), and Sen (leaf plate makers) deliver items related to Diwali preparations in Sanodha village. These include diyas, clay toys, leaves, and cotton. In return, these artisans are given wheat, rice, clothes, or sweets as gifts.
Speaking to Local18, Yamuna Prasad Prajapati said, “My family has been making clay diyas and idols for generations. During Diwali, we take our hand-made diyas to every house. People buy diyas ranging from 11 to 101, since it is considered auspicious.”
In Sanodha village, the Pauni (cotton sellers) also play a unique role. Arif, a Pauni, said, ” I go door to door in four villages to deliver cotton during Diwali.” According to Arif, who has been engaged in this work for five years, his grandmother also followed this tradition. People give him items like grains, clothes, or sweets in return.
Similarly, the gardener arrives at every house with flowers for Diwali so that they can be used for worship. People of the Sen caste bring leaf plates and bowls, which are used during worship in rural areas.
Draupadi Bai, an elderly resident of Sanodha, said, “This tradition has been going on since my childhood. Before every Diwali, these artisans deliver essential items to every house and the villagers respectfully bless them by giving gifts.”
This centuries-old tradition not only honours the ideals of Lord Ram but also creates a deep bond between the rural community and the artisans. This makes the villagers realise that Diwali is not just a festival but also a celebration of the participation of the community and artisans.
- Location :
Madhya Pradesh, India