Nakshi Palli: a sanctuary for traditional nakshi art and artisans

Abstract

Nokshi work is one of the oldest and famous handicrafts of Bangladesh that is representing the country's cultural aspects creatively over the years. Nokshi work is usually done on pieces of clothes like saree, panjabi, kameez, orna, shawl, fotua etc. Items like lamp shade, bed sheet, table runner, pillow covers and many more are also decorated by Nakshi work widely. Again Nakshi kantha is a kind of hand embroidered quilt that has been being used as heirloom in this region. Women of rural areas of Bangladesh stitch their dreams and stories of surrounding, nature and locality beautifully in these kanthas and clothes. This craft is practiced in districts like Jamalpur, Josshore, Rangpur, Bagura, Chittagong, Rajshahi and Faridpur mostly by the womens.Through this many of them earn their livelihood or contribute to the family but now a days this craft is in threat as lack of space and environment for work, showcase and sell their products. That is why Bangladesh Handloom Board proposed this project to provide and preserve the craft Nakshi art with all necessary facilities in Melandah upazila of Jamalpur district. This project aims to create employment opportunities, give proper training to those who need to scale up the craft and maintain its originality and fineness. It also looks forward to providing first hand buying and selling opportunities so that the artisans can get their fair share. If this project works out properly, demand for this craft will not only increase in our country but also we will be able to export abroad and thus it will have a positive impact on our overall economy.