Not many in Vadodara know that the decorative diyas, which are proudly displayed during Diwali in the homes of the rich and the poor alike, are made in the narrow lanes of Fatehpura Kumbharwada.

Hailing originally from Navda village in Dhandhuka, nearly 10 to 12 families have monopolised the art of making diyas from white clay popularly known as fire clay or than maati of Chotila. ``Diyas from fire clay are manufactured in such a large quantity only here,'' claims Hasmukh Prajapati.

He says forefathers of all the Prajapati community families migrated to Vadodara from Dhandhuka in search of greener pastures during the chhapaniyo dukal (drought of 1956).

With changing times, the demand for diyas has also changed. Hasmukh claims that they too started making fire clay items as making traditional items of red colour from ``agricultural soil'', did not help them get a good margin.

While their products are sold through outlets located in different parts of the city, larri-galla pullers also sell the earthenware. However, except businessmen from various parts of the State and elsewhere in the country, who are aware of the place, not many come directly to these potters.

``It is not that we do not sell the products directly but not many come here,'' says Narmada Prajapati, who makes decorative diyas. ``In fact, here the diyas are sold at half the price,'' she adds.

Explaining the process, Hasmukh says the diyas are dried for 12 hours. They are then decorated, either through cuts or paints, and then after two hours are kept in the furnace for more than 12 hours. The entire process takes about four to five days, he says.

All family of potters are engaged in one way or other in manufacturing items. ``We do not keep count of the number of pieces sold,'' Narmada says, adding the sale is picking up with Diwali a few days away. Once the festival is over, they concentrate on making pots, flower-pots and other items.

Narmada says while she wants to educate her seven-year-old son, she will also teach him the art ``in case he doesn't get a job''.

``People have started appreciating our art. But I think it will take time before we get real recognition,'' says Arvind Prajapati. About how much he earns, he says ``enough to make a living''.

While diyas, selling from Rs 10 to Rs 300, are available in Nava Bazaar, Khanderao Market and other parts of the city, they are all made by these families of Fatehpura Khumbharwada.

``These days many even use diyas as lamp shades,'' says Mukesh Swami, a shopkeeper, claiming he sells 3,000 to 4,000 pieces during the season. He says items coloured with copper are sold through-out the year as decorative pieces.