Diyas (lamps) are an integral element of Diwali celebrations, with people lighting up their houses and offices with earthen lamps. This year though, Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog intends to ensure that over 11 crore diyas made with cow dung are sold ahead of Diwali.
The aayog has got in touch with institutions, voluntary organizations, gaushalas (cow shelters) and bodies working with women's co-operatives across the country, asking them to take up the project.
"Women from across the country will get employment and financial help for being involved in the Gau Maya Diya project," the aayog's chairman, Vallabh Kathiria, said. "We will get women entrepreneurs, gaushalas, and selfhelp groups to work together. These women will then market the diyas in their respective areas."
Kathiria added that there have been isolated instances of diyas being made with cow dung, but this will be the first large-scale, nationwide initiative. "The aayog will promote this across the country by using our network of affiliate organizations and those involved in cow protection," Kathiria said.
Pureesh Kumar, who heads the implementation of the Gau Maya Diya project, said that the target of 11 crore diyas will be exceeded by some distance this year. "We have lined up volunteers in every state. One household will purchase several such diyas," Kumar said.
Source and Credit : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/gujarat-11-crore-cow-dung-lamps-to-light-up-this-diwali/articleshowprint/78355739.cms.