Bihan Bazaar Adds Colour to the Hard Work of Self-Help Groups

Separate Stalls Set Up for the Sale of Clay Lamps and Other Handcrafted Products

Raipur, Oct 2025 : The Bihan Bazaar is bringing new colours and opportunities to the hard work of women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across the state. With the festival of Diwali approaching, women in both rural and urban areas are crafting earthen lamps (diyas), setting an inspiring example of self-reliance and entrepreneurship. Along with diyas, these women are also preparing various handmade products such as rangolis, bamboo-based items, and traditional handicrafts to sell in the market. To promote their efforts, the district administration, as part of Chhattisgarh’s Silver Jubilee celebrations, has arranged for these products to be showcased and sold in local markets.

Over 5,500 Clay Lamps Crafted by SHGs

In Jigdi Gram Panchayat of Balrampur district, a women’s Self-Help Group has produced more than 5,500 clay lamps this year. Earlier, these women made lamps only for household use, but with the support of the district administration and the Rural Livelihood Mission, the activity has now taken on a commercial scale.
Members of the “Jai Maa Ambe” SHG of Rajpur and “Jyoti” SHG of Balrampur, each consisting of 10 women, have been working tirelessly day and night to make the lamps.
Group president Smt. Salita Gupta said, “Earlier, we used to buy diyas from outside during Diwali. Now, we make them ourselves and even sell them. This has opened a new path toward self-reliance for us.”

Decorative and Eco-Friendly Lamps with Natural Colours

The women said that natural colours are being used to decorate the lamps. Each diya is beautifully designed and painted in vibrant patterns and shapes, with attractive eco-friendly packaging. This not only promotes environmental conservation but also gives a new identity to local handicrafts. Around 5,500 diyas have been completed, and the administration has arranged dedicated spaces for their sale in local markets.

Administrative Support for Marketing and Sales

To encourage the sale of SHG-made products, the district administration has set up marketing platforms at the district level. From October 16 to 19, Bihan Bazaars are being organized at multiple locations, where separate stalls have been allotted for the sale of SHG products.
At these stalls, women from different Self-Help Groups are selling a range of handcrafted items — including earthen lamps, rangolis, bamboo articles, and other handmade decorative products.

The initiative has provided SHG women not only with an avenue for financial independence but also with recognition for their artistry, skill, and dedication, making Bihan Bazaar a true celebration of self-reliance and local entrepreneurship in Chhattisgarh.