#Paritosh Pal
In the serene village of Rajnagar, located in the Kadamtala block of North Tripura, the rhythmic art of Shital Pati weaving continues to thrive, thanks to the unrelenting dedication of 83-year-old Birendra Chandra Das.
For nearly five decades, Das has meticulously crafted these Shital Pati, a tradition passed down from his father, the late Barindra Chandra Das.
Despite the challenges of advancing age, including some hearing loss, his commitment to this ancestral craft remains undiminished.
A Legacy Rooted in Heritage and Resilience
The journey of Birendra Chandra Das is not just a story of craftsmanship but one of resilience and heritage. The Das family originally hailed from Miyari village in Sylhet district, now Moulvibazar, Bangladesh.
In 1971, amidst the turmoil of the Bangladesh Liberation War, they fled to Tripura in India. Birendra Babu brought with him not just his family but also the rich tradition of Shital Pati making, a skill he learned from his father.
“My grandfather made Shital Patis in Bangladesh and taught my father,” recalls Chayan Das, Birendra’s son. “Father continued this work here in Rajnagar to support our family. I learned this craft from him, just as he did from my grandfather.”
The Art of Shital Pati Making
Shital Pati are made from the Murta plant, a type of bamboo cultivated near water bodies. This craft requires not just skill but also a deep understanding of the materials and meticulous attention to detail. The process begins with procuring Murta from nearby Kurti village, costing around Rs 400 to Rs 500 per mat. These mats are then sold to wholesale traders in the Kadamtala market for Rs 1700 to Rs 1800 each, sustaining the Das family through the years.
Passing the Torch
While Birendra Chandra Das has two sons and five daughters, it is his sons, Kartik and Nayan, who have inherited the craft. Though they are engaged in other professions, they assist their father in making Shital Patis whenever possible. This blend of old traditions and new responsibilities showcases the adaptability and enduring nature of the Das family’s legacy.
Community and Commerce
The impact of Shital Pati making extends beyond the Das family, influencing the local economy and community. Day laborer Samiran Das, 62, cultivates Murta alongside his daily wage work. His efforts not only meet the demands of local Shital Pati makers but also reach various parts of Assam. This year, Samiran earned a significant income of Rs One lakh fifty thousand by selling Murta, contributing to his family’s improved standard of living.
“Birendra Chandra Das stands as a symbol of the enduring power of tradition and the resilience of the human spirit. His lifelong dedication to Shital Pati making has preserved an invaluable cultural heritage while providing for his family and enriching his community”, said Sudarshan Pal, a local trader.
He added, “As he continues to weave these intricate mats, Birendra Babu ensures that the legacy of Shital Pati making will endure for generations to come, a vibrant thread in the fabric of Tripura’s cultural tapestry.”
#Paritosh Pal may be contacted at enewstime2017@gmail.com
(Tripura, Tripura News )