Prayagraj: With the festive season approaching, Diwali lamps made from cow dung are witnessing significant demand across Uttar Pradesh. Women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the city are introducing new varieties of these lamps to meet the growing demand.This year, female volunteers have crafted cow dung diyas mixed with fragrant substances such as camphor, basil and frankincense. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent emphasis on swadeshi products as a key aspect of the broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission, which promotes the consumption and production of ‘Made in India’ goods, particularly during the festive season, has substantially increased the demand for Diwali diyas, jhumar, bandhan-bar (door hangings), peacock motifs and other cow dung decorative items, alongside designer candles, in markets across Uttar Pradesh. Women linked to SHGs are working diligently to keep up with the demand. Leaders of the Asharani Foundation of Sangam City, headed by Abha Singh, are gaining attention with their unique designer and eco-friendly cow dung diyas. Singh said: “There has been unprecedented demand for diyas and idols of Lord Ganesh, Laxmi, and Kuber among customers. Not many know about the benefits of cow dung. Apart from its medicinal value, designer diyas and decorative pieces made of cow dung are now catching people’s fancy.” Singh is getting orders from Agra, Muzaffarnagar, Mau, Kanpur, Lucknow and other districts. In fact, when Singh showcased designer diyas and cow dung decoratives on various social media platforms, she received acclaim from across the state. Discussing the products, volunteers said: “It takes time to shape designer diyas. After drying the dung, the women remove grass and other material from it. Later, it is ground into a powder and mixed with clay. Then it is set in different moulds. After drying, they are painted to enhance their beauty. These diyas, lamps and decoratives are blessings of our sacred and holy gaumata, and these cow products are also unique, economical and innovative.” Singh added that as demand was increasing, efforts were being made to innovate in design. She said the prices of earthen lamps ranged between Rs 20 and Rs 400 while decoratives priced from Rs 100-500. The second attractive item is wall hangings made of cow dung.