Local artists resort to social media, online stores to promote their craft and enhance sale in UP's Prayagraj

PRAYAGRAJ: With Diwali round the corner, the local artists making decorative items, such as hanging lamps, paper lanterns, puja thali sets, designer diyas and Ganesh-Laxmi idols, are making use of social networking sites and online stores to exhibit their craft and expand sale.
The artists are asking customers to visit their website or reach out to them on their whatsapp numbers as well as other e-commerce sites for promotion and sale of their products.
Forty nine-year-old city-based handicraft artist, Alok Kumar Srivastava, who designs hanging lamps and chandeliers on paper, has also resorted to social media to promote his products and connect with more and more people across the country. Alok also plans to exhibit his handicraft products on popular online stores to boost sale.
“After designing hanging lamps, table lamps and chandeliers on paper, I decided to display my work on social media platforms to gain recognition across the country amid the Covid crisis when not many residents are willing to step out of their homes for Diwali shopping. I even developed my own website for the purpose,” said Alok, adding “Now, I have planned to approach several online stores to ensure better customer response as most of the customers are resorting to online shopping this time.”
He has set up his workshop at his house in Sulemsarai area where he designs hanging lamps, table lamps, cellphone and pen/pencil stands of different sizes and shapes with bamboo sticks and clothes.
He has also got registered with the department of handicrafts, ministry of textiles.
Radhika, another local artist who makes designer diyas and other decorative items, has also found social networking sites and online stores a better platform for marketing and selling her products. “Buyers seeking diyas and other decorative items are connecting with artists through online as well as offline modes. Social media has undoubtedly proved to be a better medium for promoting our craft among customers whose feedback help us improve our skills.”
Khushi, who makes unique items related to Diwali decor, said, “We are able to cater to a far larger number of customers through social networking sites and online stores.”