Many artisans from neignbouring West Bengal have woven for themselves a better fate by making Shola items used extensively in the ongoing festive season for various decorative works.
This age-old craft has turned out to be a blessing for the artisans and provides a way to earn their living. Now-a-days Shola craft is making waves and more and more city dwellers are discovering beauty in Shola products, which are eco-friendly, biodegradable and reduce the use of plastics.
“Many craftsmen of West Bengal have descended in Jajpur district and its nearby areas to make Shola items using a material called Shola pith. This material is derived from a plant known as Shola, which grows in marshy lands. The art of making the decorative items using the material is seasonal,” said Prakash Mandal, an artisan from Medinapur district.
Shola pith is preferred to other similar artificial materials due to its malleability, texture, luster and sponginess. The artists use this material to create the crown, armband and the jewels used for adorning the gods and goddesses during festivals.
It is also used for creating the headdress of a wedding couple on the marriage day. Other items usually created using this material are masks of deities and peacock boat etc.
“Puja season is the best time for us to earn more money as many persons need the Shola made Puja Mandaps and decoration of the goddesses. An artisan earns about Rs 200 to Rs 300 by making Shola works,” said Manoj Mandal, an artisan, adding that local puja organisers provide them accommodation and food for making the Shola works.