Ahead of Diwali, potters in Hauz R have suffered financial losses as their businesses have been affected due to COVID-19.
Potters, who normally have good business during the festive season, are adversely affected due to coronavirus lockdown this year. They do not expect much footfall this time as compared to last year. They have complained of minimal sale, business loss and meagre profit margin during the Diwali festivities.
The potters in Hauz R are preparing earthen lamps (diyas) for Diwali but with a little hope of sale amid the pandemic.
Babita, who comes from a potters family said customers are not willing to buy earthen lamps and other items at the prices we want to sell.
"Procurement of raw materials has also become expensive. Our business is severely impacted," she said.
"We have procured these items from Kolkata and they are yet to be paid for these things. All these items cost around Rs 2.5 lakh and we have to pay this amount to the supplier after two days of Diwali. As we are unable to sell these handmade items how will we make the payments," she added.
Meanwhile, Sonu, another potter, said the footfall of the customers in market is very low.
"There is a huge difference between last year's and this year's Diwali. The market is very down less customers are visiting the shop. Earlier the customers used to come to buy stuff till midnight but now after 8 pm, the market starts getting deserted," Sonu told .
Diwali will be celebrated across India on November 14.
( With inputs from ANI )
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