Diwali-2025: In Jaipur, more people are becoming aware of protecting the environment, and using earthen lamps for Diwali is becoming popular. Cow dung lamps are also being made to support cow conservation and environmental care. Women from different self-help groups in Jaipur have been busy making these lamps.
Support to rural artisans and cow shelters
Monica Gupta, Secretary of the Hahnemann Charitable Society, said that for the past two months, women have been working tirelessly to make these lamps. She added that a large number of cow dung lamps have been prepared at the Vedic Plant Research Center at the Pinjrapol Gaushala on Tonk Road. Women from the Mata Rani Self-Help Group are producing approximately five thousand lamps daily. This work provides these women with both self-reliance and a respectable livelihood, while also providing economic support to rural artisans and cow shelters.
Rare medicinal herbs are used in making lamps
She explained that these lamps are made from indigenous cow dung and rare medicinal herbs. They include jatamansi, ashwagandha, reetha, desi ghee, moringa powder, black turmeric, neem, basil, and other natural ingredients. When lit, these lamps not only radiate light but also a divine fragrance similar to that of havan samagri (firewood). This unique combination makes the lamps useful from both spiritual and medicinal perspectives.
Cow dung lamps are also unique
Dr. Atul Gupta, International Coordinator of the All India Cowshed Cooperation Council, explained that cow dung lamps are also unique in that they are extremely lightweight, do not break if dropped, and can be lit multiple times. After burning, when placed in the soil or on plants, they act as natural fertilizer. Thus, these lamps convey the message of nourishment along with light. This experiment is a modern take on the Panchagavya principle described in Indian tradition, demonstrating that innovation is possible through the combination of indigenous knowledge and environmental protection.
5 lakh cow dung lamps to light up Shri Ram Janmabhoomi
Gupta stated that this Diwali, a festival of lights will be held at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Ayodhya, with 26 lakh lamps, with five lakh cow dung lamps from Jaipur being a special attraction. He also stated that cow dung lamps made from indigenous cow dung and rare medicinal herbs will be lit at the Rajasthan Raj Bhavan this year. To this end, representatives from various cow-helping organizations met with Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde on Friday and presented him with cow dung lamps.
Women in Barmer district are also making eco-friendly lamps
He explained that women associated with an organization in Barmer district are also preparing for Diwali by making eco-friendly lamps from cow dung. They began this work after receiving training in Mehsana, Gujarat. Demand for these lamps is now increasing not only in Barmer but also in other parts of the state. He added that the Jaipur Municipal Corporation Greater is also preparing to light cow dung lamps in every ward this year. More than half a dozen social and religious organizations in the city are also working to celebrate the "Cow Dung Festival" in villages and neighborhoods.
Demand for cow dung lamps is rising
Gupta explained that increased awareness has led to a growing trend toward lighting earthen lamps on Diwali. Cow dung lamps are also gaining popularity, and demand for them is rising on festivals like Diwali.
The Shriyade Mati Kala Board is also working to promote clay lamps and other clay products. Board Chairman Prahlad Rai Tak stated that letters were written to the administration and police to facilitate the sale of clay lamps and other clay products on the footpaths in various cities across the state on Diwali, and clay lamps are now available everywhere.