A 62-year-old woman entrepreneur from Udaipur, Tripura, is preparing 60,000 candle diyas for Diwali celebrations at Tripura Sundari Temple. Khuku Saha’s 15-year-old home-based business supports her family, provides livelihoods and trains women associated with self-help groups.
As preparations intensify for the annual Diwali celebrations at the historic Tripura Sundari Temple, a 62-year-old woman entrepreneur from Udaipur is working hard to fulfil a major order of 60,000 candle diyas, highlighting the contribution of small family-run businesses to the state’s traditional festive economy.
Khuku Saha, who operates a small candle-making unit from her home in the Banduar area of Udaipur subdivision, has received an order for 60,000 candle diyas from the Tripura Sundari Temple ahead of the annual Diwali mela. She has been involved in candle manufacturing for the past 15 years, gradually developing her home-based initiative into a family-run enterprise.
With the festival approaching, Khuku and her family members are busy preparing the large order. The family has also collected nearly one lakh earthen lamps from different locations to meet the seasonal demand. Among the special products being prepared is a distinctive variety of diya made by mixing wax with ghee.
Apart from the special Diwali products, the unit manufactures candles in different shapes and sizes to meet regular market requirements. The business operates throughout the year, although demand increases considerably during festivals and other special occasions.
Khuku receives assistance from four family members in running the manufacturing unit. Her son, Biplab Saha, currently manages its day-to-day operations and oversees production and business activities.
According to Biplab, the family earns approximately Rs. 35,000 per month from the candle-making business. However, maintaining regular production and managing operational expenses remain challenging, as the family often has to depend on loans to sustain the enterprise.
The unit sources raw materials from several parts of the country, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati. Its finished products are distributed through retail and wholesale channels across Agartala, Udaipur and other areas of Gomati, South Tripura and Sepahijala districts.
Despite establishing a market for its products, the family continues to face difficulties in recovering payments from buyers on time. Biplab said delayed payments affect the smooth operation of the business and create financial pressure while purchasing raw materials and maintaining production.
The enterprise also provides employment opportunities to five workers who are engaged on an irregular basis, depending on production requirements. The family now hopes to expand its operations by establishing a larger manufacturing facility at another location.
Under the proposed expansion plan, the family aims to create employment opportunities for around 10 to 15 people, providing additional livelihood support to local residents.
Another important aspect of the initiative is its contribution to women’s economic empowerment. Alongside manufacturing candles, the family provides candle-making training to women associated with self-help groups. The initiative aims to help women acquire practical skills and explore opportunities for income generation through small-scale manufacturing activities.
Over the years, Khuku Saha’s venture has grown from a modest home-based initiative into a family enterprise that plays an important role during the annual Diwali celebrations. The latest order of 60,000 candle diyas from Tripura Sundari Temple marks a significant seasonal opportunity for the business.
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As thousands of devotees and visitors prepare to celebrate Diwali at the renowned temple, the family’s efforts reflect the importance of traditional products, local entrepreneurship and small-scale industries in supporting festive activities.
Khuku Saha’s 15-year journey also highlights how determination, family support and traditional manufacturing skills can create sustainable livelihood opportunities, particularly for women entrepreneurs in Tripura.
