It was a delight for the children to watch the potter turn the wheel to churn out ‘diyas' (earthen lamps). How many urban children have the privilege of watching a potter at work?
Siva Sivani School provided the unique opportunity to its students through a one-day workshop on ‘earthen lamp making' at the school premises at Kirlampudi on Thursday. The open stage, where the potter made the diyas, provided the right atmosphere for the children to relax and watch him engrossed in his work. The children were sent in groups to watch the lamp making process.
The enthusiastic children looked in awe at the dexterity of potter Atcha Rao of Kummari Veedhi, Dondaparthy, who turned out lamp after lamp in a matter of minutes. Many of the boys and girls vied with one another to try their hand at the wheel. “We are organising the workshop for the last five years. The objective is to create awareness among the children on the art of making earthen lamps besides enabling them to know our rich tradition and culture. The joy they experience in turning the wheel and turning out diyas is inexplicable,” says Headmistress Y. Surekha.
“This apart, the children are also told about the benefits of using eco-friendly materials like clay and the invention of the potter's wheel. After the diyas dry up, the children colour them with water colours,” she added.
