Source::Rss
Although the expenses usually increase during festivals, Diwali and Chhath in Mithila also become an opportunity for the poor and working people to earn money. As the production of poor farmers gets importance and laborers get more work related to the festival, these festivals become special opportunities for earning.
Products such as flowers, ginger, Jamir, and banana planted in the karesabari fetch good prices during these festivals. During the festival of Diwali, it is customary for business establishments to make doors out of banana leaves to decorate the place of Lakshmi Puja. For this purpose, the poor farmers get an opportunity to earn a good income by selling the banana plants (newly grown seedlings) in the house.
Both banana fruit and kotha are in demand during Diwali and banana is the occasion of Chhath Parva. As it coincides with Diwali and Chhath, the consumption of bananas increases a lot during these festivals. Apart from this, Jameer (a type of lemon), ginger uprooted with plants, and sugarcane with leaves are also the worship materials of both festivals (Diwali and Chhath). Poor farmers who have little land have been making good money on the occasion of festivals from these plants planted in their houses.
Similarly, at other times, bamboo dala, chiti, Nangal, chalnu and other materials made from bamboo that are no longer used for daily purposes, and earthen pots, gagro for holding kalash, chutney for freezing curds, taula for keeping prasad material and diyuri (pala) for lighting lamps are special items of Diwali and Chhath Parva. Although the sale of such goods is stopped at other times, the activity of the Kumhal caste community, who weaves materials of bamboo and choya, and makes wine and earthenware, is very busy.
The poor people of this caste community say that now is a special opportunity for their skills as the earnings of both festivals (Diwali and Chhath) have to generate cash for the whole year. During the festival, the demand for workers with the skills to paint houses also increases rapidly.
Even though the Diwali side has started, there are still three to four days left for the festival. However, there has been an increase in inquiries and interest about agricultural produce and other materials that are in demand during the festival. It seems that the consumers who buy festival materials have started looking for such materials, buying them, and doing the price work.
Due to the lack of favorable rains this year, the farmers, who were distressed by not being able to plant the expected paddy crop, are now in the mood to postpone the festival by selling their agricultural produce (ginger, sugarcane, Jamir, banana, etc.) which are important during the festival.
“Especially in the banana plant, no more than three plants should be placed per plant, and the excess plants (newly grown banana plants) should be uprooted and thrown away. We do this task at the beginning of Diwali, all should be thrown away. The price of Kotha is found. It is a custom here that the banana harvest is done a few days in advance.” said Ramvinod Mahato, a farmer of Bardibas municipality-9 Pashupatinagar.
“Diwali and Chhath Parva of Hindu Vedic tradition is inextricably linked with agriculture. The time for planting the main crop (grain) is over and this festival, which falls before the time for bringing in a new crop (paddy), is a happy occasion for both the rich and the poor.” Said Paka Maithil, an elder of this area.
“I don't have much land sir, I have planted a little ginger in the karesabari next to my house, one plant has grown up to Jamir Later. I am confident that by selling this product on Diwali, I will meet my festival expenses.” Said Manju Kapar, a farmer of Bhangaha Municipality-4 Ramnagar._Rss
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