Shola Pith Craft

For all intents and purposes, Sholapith craft may well be considered multi-faceted. By virtue of its colour and supposedly divine origin alone, it is purported auspicious and pure and hence used in social or religious functions.

Equally critical is that it is an eco-friendly craft, biodegradable, hence of immense use as opposed to thermocol or plastic. Little wonder, then, nothing can sway 5,000-odd artisans from West Bengal, commonly known as Malakars, or garland makers, to part from their craft. And why not, this versatile craft can be used to make decorative headwear of gods and goddesses, garlands, figurines, elephant howdahs, peacock boats and palanquins. No small list, this!

In fact, Sholapith craft has even successfully forayed into international waters, with demand in the US, UK, Australia, Japan, Thailand, et all. The bottom-line is that it is and will remain a multi-generational craft, one that must not just survive, but thrive as well.