GUWAHATI: As Diwali knocks, the annual tradition of lighting diyas to welcome prosperity has taken a hit in Guwahati. The soaring price of mustard oil—a staple for both cooking and diya lighting—has dampened the diwali celebrations. Many households, facing the financial strain of buying mustard oil, are turning to affordable alternatives like chinese lights, LED water diyas etc.
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Speaking to GPlus, Anjana Choudhury, a Maligaon resident said, “ It has become difficult to afford lighting diyas. In past years, I’d buy bottles just for the festivities, but now even a 500ml bottle costs between ₹80 and ₹90, and a litre can reach up to ₹150. It’s become a luxury.”
Rising prices have led families across Guwahati to abandon traditional oil diyas, with many opting for cheaper, mass-produced LED lights. A resident from Athgaon explained, “Traditionally, we light 14 diyas, but now, we’re switching to plastic or LED water diyas as mustard oil prices are beyond reach.”
Local shopkeepers are also feeling the effects. Dhiraj Das, who owns a general store in Maligaon, noted that fewer people are buying mustard oil specifically for diya lighting this year. “When they do buy, it’s in much smaller quantities,” he said. “The cost has gone up, but we’re getting the blame from our customers for the price hike.”