Sylhet potters busy crafting clay ornaments for Paush Sankranti

With only 25 days left until Paush Sankranti, potters in the Sylhet region are passing hectic days crafting different clay products including ornaments targeting the upcoming festival.

Once a vibrant tradition, clay ornament fairs were a staple in village markets during the Sankranti celebration. However, those fairs have become a rare sight in recent years. Despite the declining number of rural fairs, potters in the region are continuing to uphold the tradition, crafting colorful clay ornaments in preparation for the festival.

The winter is a busy season for the potters of Kumarpara, as it is the time to make up for the financial losses sustained throughout the year. During this period, clay ornaments, such as dolls, animals, and various decorative items, are highly sought after at fairs and festivals. Skilled artisans can be seen rolling clay, shaping it into pots, elephants, horses, dolls, and more. Some potters are carefully scratching designs into the dried toys, while others are drying them in the sun or transporting them to various markets.

This scene is particularly visible in Nagar Pashchim and Kumar Hati, located at Ajmiriganj upazila municipality in Habiganj. Despite the challenges, the potters continue to work diligently, as fairs are held across the country during Paush Sankranti and the New Year.

While men handle the heavier tasks, such as gathering and processing clay from nearby rivers, women play an equally important role, handcrafting the colorful ornaments. However, local residents point out that many potters have abandoned the profession due to a lack of government support.

Potters in the region emphasise that their craft is not just a livelihood, but a centuries-old tradition that reflects the history, culture, and artistic expression of the community. They believe it is crucial for both government and private initiatives to support the preservation of this craft.

Among the items being made are colorful clay dolls, elephants, horses, bulls, boats, tigers, lions, turtles, fish, ducks, as well as various fruits, flowers, and other decorative items. Additionally, they are crafting practical items like clay plates, mugs, glasses, tea cups, and molds for making traditional sweets (pitha), all of which will be sold at upcoming fairs.

Kajal Rani Pal, a local potter, shared that the profession is a family tradition passed down through generations. "We work together, both men and women," she said. "Men bring clay from the river and thresh it, while women shape the clay into toys and other items by hand. Our workload increases during the dry season, and we make and sell our products throughout the year."

Jyoti Rani Pal, another potter, explained that the rainy season makes it difficult to work. "We rely on the months of Kartik and Agrahayan to make our clay products, as these are the months when we can dry them properly. We store them for the rest of the year to prevent spoilage."

Ratan Kumar Pal, a potter from the area, highlighted the difficulties faced by the community. "In the past, clay was available everywhere, but now it’s hard to find. Not all types of soil are suitable for making these items," he said. "The drying up of rivers, canals, and gullies has further complicated our work. Traders no longer come by boat like they used to, so we have to take our products to various markets, which means we don’t earn as much as we did before."

Ratan further pointed out the lack of government support, which has led many in the community to leave the profession. "We don’t receive any kind of government assistance," he said. "Many have already left this profession, and those of us who remain are struggling to keep this tradition alive."

The potters of Kumarpara continue to preserve their craft despite the hardships. However, they stress that for this unique and important tradition to survive, there must be both government and private sector support. Without this, the future of this ancient craft remains uncertain.