They are the ones who light many a home on Deepawali, which literally means an array of earthen lamps.

But of late, the potters' business has plunged into darkness during Diwali with threats from the thriving Chinese lights industry, prompting Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) to come forward to support the local artisans.

Taking a cue from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Make in India initiative, the trade outfit decided on Wednesday to promote the potters by not only purchasing their products in bulk, but also by providing them market linkages in East Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan districts.

SCCI president Suresh Sonthalia said that this was a small way to do their bit for Modi's Make in India mission.

"It is ironic that the administration is banning sale and stocking of Chinese crackers but not much has been done to protect our potters, whose profession is under threat due to competition from the Chinese lights, available at a cheaper price. Hence, we have decided to organise an exhibition of their products at Chamber Bhavan in Bistupur on Saturday," said Sonthalia.

Over 5,000 traders of Jamshedpur and its outskirts have shown their interest in purchasing the earthen diyas from the local potters.

"We will purchase the earthen products in bulk from the local potters. We have already held talks with Kumhar (potter community) leaders. They will, in fact, make the diyas more attractive by decorating them. We will also approach various social organisations and educational institutions to promote the potters and shun Chinese products," added Sonthalia.

Despite the threat, potters across the city are burning the midnight oil to earn some extra bucks during the festival of lights.

One such potter, busy spinning his wheel at Kumharpara in Baradwari, Rajendra Prajapati (62) said they cannot compete with the Chinese products.

"Unlike the traditional lamps, the lights don't need oil but barely a power connection to glow all night. People prefer to switch on these lights to pouring oil in earthen lamps and lighting them again and again. Moreover, the rise in oil prices has also affected the market of earthen diyas," said Prajapati.

He added that they earned somewhere around Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 during Diwali.

"The price of diyas varies from Rs 1 to Rs 3 depending on size. It is not sufficient to make up our production cost, forget profit. We require coal, wood and mud to prepare the earthen lamps," said the potter, adding that the competition had snuffed out their interest, especially the younger generation's, from the profession.

Praising the SCCI initiative, however, 75-year-old potter Gangadhar Prajapati said the effort would certainly boost their sagging morale.