Kendrapada: Diwali has brought a seasonal boom for earthen diya makers in Kumbharasahi, a potters’ colony on the outskirts of Kendrapada town, though declining youth interest and growing competition threaten the traditional craft.Nearly 40 families have practised diya-making for generations, with almost every member involved. Veteran artisan Narayan Behera (75) said sales were picking up ahead of Diwali, but the seasonal nature of the business had discouraged many young people from continuing their forefathers’ occupation, making it difficult to train artisans.The process begins with clay collected from fields and mixed with water. Artisans knead it by hand and foot before shaping lamps on pottery wheels. They add fine patterns with fingers or metal tools, then sun-dry the diyas and bake them in brick-lined furnaces.Bichitra Behera (65) said more than 80 families were engaged in the craft about 20 years ago, compared with nearly 40 now, and only a few depended exclusively on it. The families also make clay idols during Durga Puja, Ganesh Puja and other festivals.With Diwali approaching, artisans have worked overtime since last month to meet demand. Pramila Behera (45) said the festival season offered them an opportunity to earn a few thousand rupees. Coloured diyas cost Rs 10 to Rs 50, while traditional lamps sell for Rs 5 to Rs 20, according to Manindra Behera (45).A shortage of skilled labour and limited earnings have made the craft financially unsustainable. “Unless we preserve this traditional art, it may disappear in the coming years. Making diyas alone is not enough to make ends meet,” said Asanti Behera (38).Terracotta diyas brought from West Bengal, Gujarat and Rajasthan and the growing popularity of Chinese-made artificial lights have intensified competition. Ajit Behera (56) said their availability posed a serious challenge to artisans’ livelihoods.