With the auspicious Karthigai Deepam festival approaching on December 3, Chennai’s markets are witnessing brisk sales of traditional earthen lamps, as households prepare to illuminate their homes in celebration of light, devotion, and heritage. Streets in Mylapore, Triplicane, T. Nagar, and Purasaivakkam have come alive with vendors displaying rows of neatly arranged clay lamps in different shapes and sizes.Artisans say this year’s demand has been particularly encouraging, with many families returning to traditional practices. “We start preparing the lamps months in advance,” says Selvi, a potter from Villivakkam who supplies lamps to several areas in central Chennai. “People prefer earthen lamps because they are eco-friendly and create a divine ambience. This year, the demand is much higher than usual.”
The lamps, crafted from locally sourced clay, are shaped, dried, and baked in kilns before reaching the markets. From simple single-wick lamps to decorative multi-wick designs, the variety on offer appeals to both traditional and modern households.
Many customers believe that lighting clay lamps during Karthigai Deepam brings prosperity, cleanses the home, and strengthens spiritual energy.
For many families, the act of lighting earthen lamps is a cherished tradition. “My mother never celebrated Karthigai without rows of clay lamps in the balcony and on the doorstep,” says Ramesh, a resident of Mylapore. “Even today, we follow the same custom. Buying these lamps makes the festival feel complete and connects us to our roots.”
Vendors say prices have remained reasonable despite rising costs of clay and transport. Standard lamps range between ₹5 and ₹10, while larger, decorative, or painted varieties are priced between ₹20 and ₹60. Some sellers have introduced terracotta-finished lamps and beautifully painted pieces to attract younger buyers looking for aesthetic home décor options.
As the festival draws closer, the city’s markets are expected to become even busier, with households gearing up to brighten their spaces with the warm glow of thousands of earthen lamps. For artisans like Selvi, the buzz around Karthigai Deepam is more than just business—it is a celebration of culture, craftsmanship, and continuity.
“When people take these lamps home, it feels like our art is being appreciated,” Selvi says with pride. “That is the true light of Karthigai.”