A state famous for its delectable delicacies, but have you ever wondered what makes Bengalis so creative? Maybe creativity is just a part and parcel of their tradition. Immerse yourself into the age old tradition of this beautiful state by purchasing a part of their cultural heritance at baazkart, the Indian online emporium.
1. Kantha embroidery
Kantha Embroidery is the most popular form of embroidery practiced by them rural women of West Bengal. The traditional form of Kantha embroidery was performed on soft dhotis, saris and dress materials. It is a simple continuous stitch made on them edges. When five to six layers of the cloth are embroidered together to form a quilt. Fewer layers of the cloth are used to make accessories for other purposes. The entire cloth is covered with running stitches of beautiful folk designs, and floral patterns, animal figures etched in geometrical shapes. Themes from day to day activities are commonplace for the embroidery, for these fabrics and dresses, the base fabric used is cotton and silk.
2. Sholapith craft
The people engaged in making sholapith craft are known as Malakar, otherwise known as “garland maker”, probably because they make wreaths out of shola for idols and nobility. Shola grows wild in marshy waterlogged areas. Sholapith is the core of a plant and is about 1.5 inches across. Traditionally sholapith products were used to decorate Hindu idols and create the headgears of brides and grooms for a traditional Bengali wedding.
3. Scroll paintings
Scroll paintings are one of the most famous and unique art forms of West Bengal. Popularly known as Pat Chitra in the state, it is a unique style of painting, very traditional, adhering to the local folklore. Artisans who specialize in this art form are known as ‘Patidars.’ A scroll painting is segregated into vertical compartments of different sizes, where each block comprises of a distinct episode from the story being narrated.
While making these scroll paintings, a thick cloth is treated with cow dung and lac. Outlines of the figures are sketched and drawn onto the fabric, with naturally-obtained color. Vegetable colors are then filled inside the outlines, adding brightness and longevity to the painting. Modern Patidars depict natural disasters, like storms, floods, and comment on social matters in their paintings.
Buy these authentically handcrafted items today, and realize that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, for these handicrafts come with a readymade tag which says ‘Truly India’. Buy these Bengali handicrafts today, and stand a chance to win yourself some exciting prizes.
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