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Indian Toys Gain Favor
CHAN: In one of India's poorest states, a group of 60 women are struggling to make a living with their hands. The traditional toys they make are made of resin, and almost disappeared after plastic imports came to town. But not anymore, here's why. STORY: No plastic, no toxins, no paint, and no lead. The ingredient list for lac toys is: halewood, rubber wood, vegetable dye and resin. It is believed that gifting lac toys to newly weds brings peace and prosperity. And each year sales peak during the 'Savitri Vrata' festival, where married women wish for their husbands to have a long life. For the past three years these women have been making the traditional toys by hand. And reviving the traditional craft has turned into a business for themselves. Latifa Begum says the toys are priced to move. [Latifa Begum, Toymaker]: "We sell these at prices ranging from 10, 12, and 15 rupees (23, 28, and 35 cents American). We have been selling these toys for the past three years. The demand has been highest this year." Now some local NGO's are giving free PR to the lac toymakers. They say the traditional crafts should be kept alive. [Balyashree Kala Kendra, Secretary, Keshu Das NGO]: "Five years back, this art was practiced not only in Balasore but in the entire state of Orissa. We are trying to revive this art. For the past 2-3 years, we have been trying hard to bring back this art to our state." The combined efforts of women and NGO's has created a buzz for the toys in Orissa, with record sales this year. And while it may not be a road to riches, making these handmade toys is a tradition the state can call its own.