Indus Valley Times

BY AKSHYA ROUT

JAJPUR-Golden grass craft has finally come of age, and finds a place in the market ,thanks to the sincere efforts of at least sixty women and girls of villages of  Nalipur, Balichandrapur, Nanapur,

,,jenapur and other villages  of Jajpur district and its nearby areas. .

Golden grass (Vetiver zizanoids), known locally as “Kaincha” is a wild grass found in many parts of the  district and other areas of the state. It grows to a height of about 5-6 feet and the inflorescent stick, which appears after the monsoon, is used for weaving. Now-a-days the golden grass is making waves and more and more city dwellers are discovering the beauty of golden grass product as the  products are eco-friendly , biodegradable and reduce the use of plastic . As  a golden grass craftsperson, Mamatai Swain’s gnarled but still-dexterous fingers bind a golden grass cap, there is a look of satisfaction on her face. Adding to her satisfaction is the fact that she along with 70 women of village Nanpur  have been eking out their livelihoods by making golden grass crafts.

At 50, Swarnalata Swain  is the titular head of one of the women group of village Balichandrapur, whose traditional vocation has been making and selling golden grass  caps, fans, baskets ,toys and other items.

“We formed a Self Help Group comprising 15 women in 2004  and developed the art of making golden grass crafts . Golden grass  hats, baskets, hand-fans, tablemats ,flower-pots  etc  of our are now  well known and  in great demand”, said Swarnalata.

“A new concept of grass jewellery has come from here, where we make attractive and designer jewellery and other accessory items like bags,  key chains and other items from the golden grass”, added Swaralata.

“Indeed, the coloured golden grass fans with uniquely –painted petals and bright golden grass  hats, flower-pots and other items  speak of fine craftsmanship. Today the demand for  golden grass crafts has increased and this testifies to their beauty, utility and lasting quality. Beautiful collectibles in golden-grass craft that have been used for house-hold purpose for years by the people of Jajpur  and its nearby areas”, said  the assistant manager of Jajpur  branch of NABARD.

“Now golden craft items  are redesigned for the international buyers according to their taste and preference, but not detaching it from the ethnicity. The origin of this craft as it is in the case of other art and crafts , is centuries old. Since generations golden grass items like bowls, fans, mats etc have been used  as utility items in many parts of the state. Women during their leisure time prepare these high quality craft items at a common place. This traditional craft has  transcended down from generation to generation said  the general manager of District Industry Center(DIC) of Jajpur.

Thanks to the huge demands of golden grass crafts, the  bustling colonies of golden craft-persons of many villages  today reflect their economy growth . Even the lanes and by lanes of the areas reflect the change that has come about .