Balasore (Orissa), May 29 : As plastic toys continue to flood the market, a group of 60 women in Orissa’s Balasore District are working hard to preserve the traditional art of making lac toys.

These women have taken up the task for the past three years and have been able to make a difference.

Toys sold by them peak during the ‘Savitri Vrata’ festival, which is celebrated by married women for the long life of their husbands.

It is believed that the gifting lac toys to newly weds bring peace and prosperity in their lives. Idols of brides and bridegrooms made of lac are in great demand during the festival.

"We sell these at prices ranging from 10, 12, and 15 rupees. We have been selling these toys for the past three years. The demand has been maximum this year," said Latifa Begum, a toy maker.

Many Non Government Organizations (NGO's) are also promoting the toys made of lac in the state.

"Five years back, this art was practiced not only in Balasore, but in the entire state of Orissa. For the past two to three years, we have been trying hard to bring back this art to our state," said Keshu Das, Secretary, Balyashree Kala Kendra.

The efforts of women involved in the toy making business and also NGOs have resulted in the increased sales of these toys as compared to previous years. (ANI)