Salepur, Nov 6: With Diwali just around the corner, the demand for traditional Kaunria sticks has begun to rise. As part of Odisha’s age-old tradition, families gather on the occasion of Diwali to light ghee-soaked wicks attached to Kaunria sticks and offer light to their ancestors.

However, the gradual decline in traditional Lalita cultivation has led to a shortage of Kaunria sticks in the market, pushing prices significantly higher. In Salepur of Cuttack district, a bundle of Kaunria sticks is reportedly being sold for Rs 100, while five individual sticks are priced at Rs 10.

Traders from Kendrapara, Marshaghai and Tirtol are travelling to different villages to procure Kaunria sticks directly from farmers. They are transporting the produce to Salepur after covering their travel expenses and selling it in the local market.

Once considered a profitable crop, Lalita cultivation provided farmers with an additional source of income through the sale of jute and Kaunria sticks. However, the traditional crop is now gradually disappearing, making the availability of even a single bundle increasingly difficult.

With the livelihood of farmers and an age-old cultural tradition at stake, demands are growing for the revival of traditional Lalita cultivation and government support for farmers. Farmers believe that financial assistance and suitable incentives could help revive the crop, strengthen their economic condition and ensure the availability of Kaunria sticks in local markets.