Local For Diwali

The festival of Diwali and Dhanteras is here in a year which is referred to as one of the worst years for the whole world and humanity. This Diwali is going to be a challenging one, not just because of COVID but also, for the Indian markets and businesses who sell local products instead of lavishing Chinese products. No one can forget the Chinese intrusions and aggression on LAC and the assassination of 18 soldiers in the month of May. We should also not forget the conditions of local businesses and street vendors during the pandemic times and current situations.

But, there is a big question that we must have to ask ourselves. Are we doing enough for them and ourselves? As a consumer, it's our personal responsibilities to promote local products, businesses, manufactures. Problems are many but the solution lies around us.

The sick Indian

Every one of us has to realize the reality that we have dilution in our 1000s of year old festivals in the name of FDI(Foreign Direct Investment). When we reach out to markets, we first want to buy lavishing and glittering products instead of our local eco-friendly products. It is quite general to go for Chinese diyas and lightening candles instead of homemade diyas made up of soil and clays. People are not lighting diyas and candles, instead, they light up cheap Chinese lights devoid of a warranty.

The one simple reason for this flocking to these shops and low-end products is "PRICE". Shops don't showcase the "MADE IN CHINA" tags on the products, and, consumers are buying it because the "MADE IN CHINA" product costs Rs.40-50 but the same "MADE IN INDIA" product cost Rs.140-150. But, people don't want to go for a reliable and warranty-contained product that can last long.

Conditions of traders

The only thing that matters in a business is profit, but they should be loyal to their customers. Most of the shopkeepers sell cheap Chinese products in the name of "MADE IN INDIA" products. Homemade and environment-friendly products manufactured by local artisans and craftsmen remain unsold in a large stock every year because they don't attract people who go for Chinese products, their whole income, livelihood, and joy of festival depend on the selling of these Indian products.

More than 70% of traders sell Chinese finished goods despite imposing heavy duties on those products, this heavy-duty majorly harms the local traders and raises a serious concern about their incapability to procure products. It is assumed that the import of more than Rs. 1000 crore from China could dominate the market.

Although, according to the Confederation of All India Traders(CAIT), there could be a rise of 20% or 25% in the manufacturing of idols and local diyas from the cities of Moradabad, Jodhpur, Meerut, Mumbai, and Delhi. But it is not enough to stop the Chinese intrusions in our markets.

Most of the craftsmen and artisans of decorative LED lights, idols, diyas belong from unorganized sectors and are mostly seasonal in their jobs. There is a need for a boost to the unorganized sector and local artisans from the government so that they can help in the manufacturing sector and could play a major role in the Economy building.

Conclusion

It's a shame for all of us that our festival happiness and celebration are controlled by a foreign market and a country that doesn't allow its citizens to enjoy their religious freedom, a country that destroyed Buddhism. A country is making idols of Laxmi Ji and Ganesh Ji who follow the path of communism.

Most people don't know that "MADE IN CHINA" products like toys, LED lights that are rejected by South Asian and Western Countries are sold in India at a huge amount with cheap rates. The waste of some developed countries is sold in India in the form of import.

Doesn't It seem like colonialism?

What we could do?

Using synthetic colors, plastic flowers could be replaced by natural colors for rangoli and natural flowers will be beneficial for our health as well as environment friendly.

Using organic incense sticks and fresh natural flowers during puja will make the surroundings more happening than those room fresheners.

We could light diyas instead of lavishing LED lights, decoratives, and artificial candles and lanterns. We should help these local artisans and craftsmen by purchasing their products.

We can ask the shopkeepers about the originality of the product before buying any product by putting in an extra effort.

Our small efforts and good approach can do wonders for those who struggle to sell their products and can light their homes with diyas of happiness and joy.