Kohima: The District Hub for Empowerment of Women in Zunheboto hosted a one-day candle making workshop on August 22. Held at the Old Town office, the event operated under the government's Mission Shakti initiative. Twenty participants attended the free session. Organizers gave priority to individuals who had not yet received BBP skill development training.
Teachers Mughakali Chophy and Avika A Awomi led the instruction. The duo runs a side business called Eliora Candles, a name derived from Hebrew meaning God is my light. They taught attendees how to pour pillar candles, glass-contained wax, and complex flower-shaped designs. Some models even featured added fragrances.
The instructors noted that candle sales peak during cold weather and festive gift-giving seasons. They view the craft as a low-cost venture that requires no physical storefront. Production can happen entirely from home. One trainer emphasized the accessibility of the trade, stating, "Even if the skills are not inborn, you can always develop them, polish them, learn them and start."
DHEW representatives confirmed that the training aims to bolster self-reliance for women and school drop-outs. While these ventures start small, they offer a path toward sustainable household income. The instructors encouraged women of all ages to pursue new trades. They pointed to online tutorials and social media as tools for continued self-improvement.
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