In Banda, a remote village in Uttar Pradesh, something incredible is happening. Women are turning an everyday waste product — cow dung — into eco-friendly diyas, lighting up homes this Diwali in more ways than one.

The idea was a brainchild of IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal, who served as the district magistrate of Banda in 2023.

Through the Ajeevika Mission, she and her team trained local women to turn waste into wealth by crafting these sustainable diyas.

“These diyas not only provide light but give us a means of livelihood. This Diwali, let’s light up homes and lives together,” Kamala, one of the artisans, shares.

Launched by the Ministry of Rural Development in 2011, the Ajeevika Mission promotes self-employment and livelihoods among rural households by organising the rural poor into self-help groups (SHGs) to increase their income through skill development.

This initiative continues to thrive even this year, with more women from adjoining villages joining the activity, expanding its impact.

Gudiya Devi, an artisan, shares: "I've learned to make 8,000-9,000 diyas each season. As Diwali approaches, we gear up, not only crafting these diyas but also training other women."

These cow dung diyas are more than just light and sustainability — they repel insects. Once lit, they leave behind ash that enriches the soil. It’s a cycle of care for both the earth and the artisans.

By purchasing these diyas, you’re not just choosing a green alternative, but you’re supporting a movement that uplifts women and their families.